Evidence: A Context and Practice Casebook (Context and Practice Series)

Evidence: A Context and Practice Casebook - ISBN 9781531022655

Designed with diverse learners in mind, this innovative casebook immerses students in the law of evidence through the lens of advocacy. With a problem-centered approach that zeroes in on the gray areas of the Federal Rules of Evidence, the book encourages students to engage deeply with both the legal doctrine and the strategic considerations that shape courtroom arguments.

Rather than simply presenting black-letter law, the casebook places students in the role of advocates, challenging them to navigate real-world complexities and make persuasive legal and factual arguments. This emphasis on practical application helps students not only to master the rules, but also to understand how those rules function in the dynamic context of litigation.

Key features that support active, inclusive learning:

• A robust collection of exercises, visual aids, and chapter-specific video supplements that promote engagement across a wide range of learning styles and foster meaningful self-assessment.

• A narrative throughline based on the real-life North Carolina murder trial, State v. Peterson, which was featured in the acclaimed documentary series The Staircase by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade. Students follow the evidentiary issues as they unfolded in the actual case, gaining insight into how evidence shapes the courtroom narrative and litigation strategy on both sides of a high-profile trial.

• Video excerpts from The Staircase provided to instructors serve as compelling visual context, helping students better understand how abstract legal rules come to life in the courtroom.

• New to the Third Edition is a scripted mock trial video created specifically for teaching nuanced evidentiary issues. This new resource enhances students’ understanding of the Federal Rules of Evidence by allowing them to see and evaluate how those rules operate in a trial setting.

This edition has also been updated to make it easier than ever for professors to integrate evidence-based teaching strategies and best practices in legal pedagogy, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and to build the critical thinking skills essential for effective advocacy.

Part of the Context and Practice Series, edited by Michael Hunter Schwartz, Professor of Law and Dean of McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, this casebook embodies a commitment to student-centered, experiential learning—preparing future lawyers not just to memorize the rules of evidence, but to apply them with insight and confidence in practice.

Evidence: A Context and Practice Casebook 3rd Edition by Pavel Wonsowicz - ISBN 978-1531022655