Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit is about proof and persuasion. It is designed for students who are interested in litigation or who want to improve their ability to be persuasive. It focuses on preparation for trial, and encourages rigorous analysis of facts and robust analysis of how a case is proven. It deals with the use of facts, arguments, inferences, stories and generalisations in proving a case. It outlines a practical method for constructing and attacking arguments about disputed questions of fact in a persuasive way. The unit complements other law studies in forensic advocacy and trial procedure.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2026 UWA (Perth) On-campus -
The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an integrated understanding of (a) how and why legal matters are litigated, (b) the role that laws of evidence play in this process, (c) the legal framework surrounding the way that evidence is gathered and tested; (2) demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon (a) the ethical issues associated with the gathering and use of evidence within the trial process, (b) the reasons as to why people decide to litigate; (3) critically evaluate the theory and regulation of discovery, evidence and proof; and identify, interpret and apply key tools of persuasion in marshalling evidence and constructing and deconstructing a legal case; and (4) prepare and present a coherent and persuasive analysis of a case.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) proposition exercise; (2) analysis; and (3) recommendations exercise. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Associate Professor Stella Tarrant
- Unit rules
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.