This book sets out the basic principles of the Law of Evidence in Hong Kong, for both criminal and civil legal proceedings. To a large extent, the laws in Hong Kong still resemble those of England and Wales prior to the handover of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China on 1 July 1997. However, the evidentiary principles and rules of Hong Kong law are not simply a derivative of English law; the Hong Kong Law of Evidence has also been guided in its development by comparable legal reforms in other commonwealth jurisdictions, notably Canada and Australia. These, and other unique developments with regard to the Law of Evidence in Hong Kong are fully reflected in this text.
This book is the second volume in a series on criminal justice in Hong Kong - the other titles being on criminal procedure and criminal law (general principles and specific offences). The cross-references in the three volumes underscore the practical and theoretical interplay between the three subject areas, which will prove indispensable for academics, students, and practitioners alike.
Part A: General Principles of the Law of Evidence
Part B: The Admissibility and Relevance of Evidence
Part C: The Exclusion of Relevant Evidence
Part D: Hearsay
Part E: Types of Evidence
Topics Covered
Chapter 1 – An Introduction to the Law of Evidence
Chapter 2 – Proof Without Evidence
Chapter 3 – The Admissibility and Relevance f Evidence
Chapter 4 – Character Evidence
Chapter 5 – Opinion Evidence
Chapter 6 – Similar Fact evidence and Previous Consistent and Inconsistent Statements
Chapter 7 – Informal Admissions and Confessions
Chapter 8 – Public Interest Immunity and Private Privilege
Chapter 9 – The Exclusion of Relevant Evidence
Chapter 10 – Hearsay
Chapter 11 – Type of Evidence
Chapter 12 – Forensic Evidence
Chapter 13 – Witnesses
Chapter 14 – The Evaluation of Evidence
