Law of Evidence case studies
Law of Evidence · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Law of Evidence exam is an independent, practice-focused assessment for candidates who need to understand how facts are proved in adversarial proceedings. It suits CILEX-style learners, paralegals, legal apprentices, litigation support staff and anyone preparing for advocacy-adjacent work where evidential rulings decide outcomes. The syllabus is weighted across six domains: relevance and admissibility (20%), burden and standard of proof (15%), witnesses including competence, compellability and examination (20%), hearsay and its exceptions (20%), confessions and improperly obtained evidence (15%), and character, similar fact and opinion evidence (10%). Expect scenario-based questions that ask you to identify the issue, apply the rule and reach a reasoned conclusion rather than recite definitions. The Law of Evidence case studies are 5 cases and about 3,525 words.
1The Failing Guard: Relevance, Similar Incidents, and Prejudice
In a civil trial, Priya Nair sues Halden Manufacturing for negligence after her right hand was crushed in a hydraulic press. Halden admits the press lacked a working interlock on 14 March but argues Nair removed the guard to speed production.
737 words, about 4 min2The Regulatory Reverse Onus
Ridgeway Construction Ltd is charged under a safety statute with failing to provide a competent supervisor at a trench site. The statute provides: 'It is a defence for the accused to prove that it took all reasonable steps to prevent the offence.' The trench collapsed; a worker suffered a fractured pelvis.
736 words, about 4 min3The Reluctant Family
Damon Reed is charged with assaulting his partner, Lena, at their home. The prosecution wants to call three witnesses.
710 words, about 4 min4The Dying Words and the Hotel Ledger
Marcus Hale is charged with murdering his business partner, Elena, in a hotel room. Elena was found with a head injury and died two days later.
695 words, about 3 min5Four Hours Without a Caution
Police arrest Leo Marsh for shoplifting a $60 jacket. At the station, Detective Orr questions him for four hours without caution about the shoplifting.
647 words, about 3 min