EVIDENCE

Professor Sharifi Summer 2012

M, Tu, Th/6:20-8:50

301-340-0040

Required Materials:

Waltz, Park, Friedman, Evidence Cases and Materials, Eleventh Edition, Foundation Press (“Case Book”)

Nicolas, Statutory Supplement to Evidence, Third Edition, Carolina Academic Press (“Rules”)

Grading: A final exam will be administered at the end of the course. The exam will be closed book, and in essay format. The final exam grade will account for 100% of the final grade.

Laptops: Laptops may be used in class. If they create a distraction, however, this policy is subject to change.

Recording of classes: Classes will not be recorded. If a specific need arises, please contact the professor in advance.

Attendance: Regular attendance is expected. Class participation is strongly encouraged.

Preparation: Students should read all assignments before class and come prepared to make and defend evidentiary arguments related to the topics covered.

Contact and Office Hours: Feel free to contact the professor by email. Office hours shall be arranged per request.

DATE / SUBJECT MATTER / RULES (IN ORDER) / READING ASSIGNMENTS
5/21 / Introduction; Purpose and Scope; Making Objections and Rulings on Evidence; Mode of Witness Examinations / 1103, 101, 1101, 102, 1102, 103, 611, 104(a), 104(e) / Case Book, p.1-61
5/22 / Witnesses Generally / 601-606 / Case Book, p.650-683
5/24 / Opinion Evidence / 701-705 / Case Book p.748-768; p.814-830
5/28 / HOLIDAY
5/29 / Writings, Recordings, Photographs, and Physical Evidence; Judicial Notice and Stipulations; Introduction to Relevance / 901-902, 1001-1004; 612, 201, 401-402, 104(b) / Case Book p.634-649; p.77-80
5/31 / Relevance, cont. / 403, 407-411 / Case Book p.81-94; p.169-182
6/4 / Character Evidence / 404-405 / Case Book p.94-117
6/5 / Character Evidence, cont. / 404-405 / Case Book p.117-139
6/7 / Habit, Sex Offense Exceptions / 406-407, 412-415 / Case Book p.139-146; p.155-169
6/11 / Hearsay; Rule Against Hearsay; Prior Statement of Witness / 801(a)-(c), 802, 801(d)(1) / Case Book p.184-217; p.512-520; p.321-326
6/12 / Party Admissions / 801(d)(2) / Case Book p.235-264 (beginning at “Admissions” on p.235)
6/18 / Hearsay Exceptions, Generally; Testimonial Hearsay / 803(1)-(23), 807 / p. 400-431; Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, 557 U.S. 305 (2009)
6/19 / Hearsay Exceptions: Spontaneous Declarations / 803(1)-(2) / Case Book p.221-235
6/21 / Hearsay Exceptions, cont.: State of Mind; Medical Diagnosis or Treatment; Past Recollection Recorded / 803(3)-(5) / Case Book p.288-314; p.326-337
6/25 / Hearsay Exceptions, cont.: Business and Public Records; Previous Convictions / 803(6)-(23) / p.338-382
6/26 / Hearsay Exceptions, cont.: Declarant Unavailable; Double Hearsay / 804-806 / Case Book p.264-287; p.314-321
6/28 / Hearsay, cont. / 801-807
7/2 / Privileges / 501-502 / Case Book p.528-554; p.579-585
7/3 / Impeachment / 607-609, 613 / Case Book p.452-499
7/5 / Impeachment, cont. / 607-609, 613 / Case Book p.499-511; p.520-526
7/9 / Impeachment, cont. / 607-609, 613
7/10 / Review / All