Evidence: A Problem-Based and Comparative Approach

This casebook provides a comprehensive, problem-based approach to studying the rules of evidence. Organized around the federal rules, this casebook provides coverage of every single rule; yet, through careful case choice and editing, Nicolas has produced a book that can easily be taught from cover-to-cover in as few as three semester hours. Key features of the casebook include in-depth problems that are designed to teach all the nuances of the rules, an enriched section on scientific evidence, application of the rules to electronic evidence, and appellate review of evidentiary rulings. The second edition of the casebook builds on the strengths of the first edition while adding exciting new features. First, it adds more than a dozen new problems, bringing the total number of problems in the book to over 100. Second, it incorporates key developments in evidence law that have taken place since the first edition was published, including the most recent developments in the Supreme Court s Confrontation Clause jurisprudence, as well as coverage of amendments to Rules 404, 408, 606, and 609, newly enacted Rule 502 (addressing waiver of the attorney-client privilege and the work-product doctrine), and a pending proposed amendment to Rule 804(b)(3). Third, it includes coverage of selected state rules of evidence that differ significantly from the federal rules so as to facilitate class discussion about the policies underlying the rules of evidence. An annual supplement is produced each year that includes the latest developments in evidence law so as to keep the textbook up-to-date between editions. A separate statutory supplement includes the federal rules of evidence and selected legislative history. In addition, the Teacher s Manual includes detailed answers to all of the problems contained in the casebook.