MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY

PARKLANDS CAMPUS-SCHOOL OF LAW

READING LIST & COURSE OUTLINE

UNIT NAME; LAW OF EVIDENCE I

UNIT CODE (S); BLW1204

PRINCIPAL TEACHING METHOD(S); LECTURES

Course Instructor: Irene Ndegwa

Email: indegwa@mku.ac.ke

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOME(S)

Candidates who successfully complete this course are expected, inter alia, to have and demonstrate a
thorough theoretical and practical understanding of the exclusionary rules that govern the adducing of
evidence in adversarial proceedings in a common law legal system. They will have and demonstrate
reasonably sufficient knowledge on the foundation principles of Evidence Law and be ready to undertake
the Evidence II course. They will be well equipped to embark on a career in legal practice.

POLICY ISSUES

a) All students should attend all classes, carry the EVIDENCE ACT Cap 80 and actively participate.
b) If a student fails to attend more than six (6) hours in a semester he/she will not be allowed to sit for
the final examination.
c) If a student fails to sit his or her continuous assessment tests he/she will not be allowed to sit for
the final examinations
d) Any student who fails to sit for his or her continuous assessment tests for good reasons with
evidence will inform the course instructor and will arrange to sit for a make-up CAT before the end
of semester examination
e) Students retaking the unit must inform the instructor.
f) All mobiles phones must be switched off during class hours.

COURSE OUTLINE LAW OF EVIDENCE ONE 1

COURSE ASSESSMENT

 Each student must attain a minimum of 70% contact hours of the lectures.
 There will be two (2) C.A.T.s that shall contribute 30% of the overall grade.
 The end-of-semester exam shall contribute 70% of the overall grade.

CORE READING MATERIALS

1. The Evidence Act, Chapter 80 of the Laws of Kenya.

2. Kyalo Mbobu, (2013) The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, Law Africa Publishing (K) Ltd.
3. Steve Ouma, (2016) A Commentary on the Evidence Act Cap 80 Law Africa Publishing (K) Ltd.
4. Kean, A. (2008) The Modern Law of Evidence, 7th Edition, Oxford University Press, New York.
5. Redmayne, M. (2006) “The Structure of Evidence of Law,” 26, (4) Oxford Journal of Legal Studies,
805-822.
6. Simmons, V. (1956) Halsbury’s Laws of England, 3rd Edition, Vol. 15, Butterworth & Company,
London.
7. Tapper, C. (2010) Cross & Tapper on Evidence, 12th Edition, Oxford University Press, New York.

WEEK ONE; PRELIMINARY DEFINITIONS & PRINCIPAL ITEMS OF JUDICIAL EVIDENCE

1. Meaning of Evidence.
2. Basic concepts of the Law of Evidence.
3. Principal categories of Law of Evidence.

SUGGESTED READING MATERIALS;

 Kyalo Mbobu, 2013 The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, Law Africa Publishing (K) Ltd
pages 3-14.
 The Evidence Act (Chapter 80 of the Laws of Kenya), ss. 3-16.
 Tapper, C. (2010) Cross & Tapper on Evidence, 12th Edition, Oxford University Press, New York,
pp. 1-66.
 Kean, A. (1996) The Modern Law of Evidence, 4t Edition, Butterworths, London, pp.1-64.
CASES
 Ali v Republic (1990) KLR 154.
 CMC Aviation Ltd v Cruisair Ltd (No. 1) (1978) KLR 163.
 James Mwangi v Republic (1983) KLR 327.
 Salan Dean v R (1960) EA 272.
 DPP v Kilbourne (1973) A.C. 729.
 Teper v R (1952) A.C. 480 at 486.
 Subramaniam v Public Prosecutor (1956) 1WLR 965.
 Richard Evans Ltd v Astley (1911) A.C. 674.

COURSE OUTLINE LAW OF EVIDENCE ONE 2

WEEK TWO, THREE & FOUR; RELEVANCE AND ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE.

1. Meaning of relevance.
2. Meaning of admissibility.
3. General rule as to relevance and admissibility of evidence.
4. Examples of relevant but generally inadmissible evidence.
5. The Doctrine of Res Gestae.
6. Facts relating to motive, preparation, conduct etc.
7. Similar facts evidence.

SUGGESTED READING MATERIALS;

 Kyalo Mbobu, 2013 The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, Law Africa Publishing (K) Ltd
pages 30-55.
 Articles 49 (1) (d) and 50 (2) (1) and (4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
 The Evidence Act (Chapter 80 of the Laws of Kenya), ss. 5-16.
 Davidson, F (2007) “Res Gestae in the Law of Evidence,” 11 (3) Edinburg Law Review, 379-396.
 Gane, C.H.W and Mackarel, M. (1997) “Admitting Irregularly or Illegally Obtained Evidence from
Abroad into Criminal Proceedings – a Common Law Approach” Criminal Law Review, 720-729.
 Kean, A. (1996) The Modern Law of Evidence, 4th Edition, Butterworths, London, pp. 1-64, 255-
263 and 417-452.
 Munday, R. (2006) “Case management, similar Fact Evidence in Civil Cases and a Divided Law of
Evidence,” 10(2), International Journal of Evidence & Proof, 81-103.
 Tapper, C. (2010) Cross & Tapper on Evidence, 12th Edition, Oxford University Press, New York,
pp. 1-74.
 Achieng v Republic (1972) EA 37.
 Asira v Republic (1986) KLR 227.
 Chick Fashions (West Wales) Ltd v Jones (1968) 2 Q.B. 299.
 DPP v Kilbourne (1973) A.C 729.
 Geffrey v Black (1978) Q.B 490.
 Harris v DPP (1952) AC 694; (1952) 1 A;; ER 1044.
 Herman King v R (1969) 1A.C. 304.
 Hollington v F. Hewthorn & Co. Ltd (1943) 2 ALL ER 35.
 Homes v Newman (1931)Ch. 112.
 John Makin & Another v AG for New South Wales (1894) A.C 57.
 Jon Makindi v R (1961) EA 327.
 Kuruma s/o Kamiu v R (1955) A.C 197.
 Mohammed KoriowNur v Attorney General (2011) eKLR.
 Nguku v Republic (958) KLR 412.
 R v Andrews (1987) All ER 513 (HL)
 R v Armstrong (1922) 2KB 55 C.C.A.
 R v Bedingfield (1879) 14 Cox CC. 341.
 R v Bond (1969) 2KB 389.
 R v Christie (1914) AC. 545.
COURSE OUTLINE LAW OF EVIDENCE ONE 3
  R v. Ellis (1862) 6 B & C 145.
 R v Fitzpartrick (1962) 3 All ER 840.
 R v Francis (1874) LR 128.
 R v Leatham (1861) 8 Cox CC 498.
 R v Manfield (1978) 1 All ER 137 CA.
 R v Mortimer (1936) 25 Cr. App. R. 150.
 R v Payne (1963) 1 WLR 637.
 R v PremijiKurji (1940) E.A.C.A. 58.
 R v Ramashani Ismael (1950) ZLR 100.
 R v Ratten (1972) A.C. 378.
 R v Sang (1980) AC 402 CA.
 R v Scarrot (1978) All ER 672.
 R v Smith (1915) 11 Cr. App. Rep. 229.
 R v Straffen (1952) 2QB 911 (CA).
 R v Andrews (1987) AC 281 (HL)
 Republic v Nyamawi & Another (2005) eKLR
 Teper v R (1952) AC 480 at 486.

WEEK FIVE: FACTS THAT NEED NOT BE PROVED

1. Judicial notice.
2. Admissions.
3. Presumptions.

SUGGESTED READING MATERIALS;

 Kyalo Mbobu, 2013 The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, Law Africa Publishing (K) Ltd
pages 57-82.
 The Evidence Act (Chapter 80 of the Laws of Kenya), ss. 59-81.

 Re Taplin (1937) 3 ALL E.R 105

 A.G. v. Bradlaugh [1885] 14 Q.B.D 667
 Aronegary v. Sembecutty (1881) 6 A.C. 364 (P.C)
 Commr. Of Income Tax v. Armstrong [1963] E.A 505, 513 (C.A)
 Kanji & Kanji v. R. [19611 E.A 411
 Morris v. Kanaen [1946] A.C 459
 The Poulet Peerage case [1903] A.C 395
 Wanjiku v Macharia [1968] E.A. 216
 Case v Ruguru [1970] E.A. 55
 Ellis v. Allen [1914]1 Ch 904
 Choitram v. Nazari (1982 -88) 1 KAR 437
 Cassam v. Sachania (1982) KLR 191.
 R. v. Luffe (1807) 8 East 193
 Re Oxford Poor Rate Case (1857) 8 E& B. 184
 Burns v. Edman [1970] 2 QB. 541
 Nve v.Niblett [1918]1 Q.B. 23
 Preston-Jones v Preston-Jones [1951] A.C. 391
 Comr. Of Customs v. S.K. Panachand [1961] E.A 303 (CA)
 Saleh Mobamed v. R. (1953) 20 EACA 141
 Ryde v. Bushel [1967] E.A 817 (CA)
 Nazir v. R. [1962] E.A 345 (CA)
COURSE OUTLINE LAW OF EVIDENCE ONE 4
  Brooke Bond (Kenya) Ltd v. Chai Ltd (1972) E.A 10
 Mohamed Taki v. R. [1961] E.A 206
 Kimani v. Gikanga [1965] E.A 735
 Gupta v. Continental Builders Ltd [1978] K.L.R 83

WEEK SIX: CAT ONE

WEEK SEVEN: CONFESSIONS

Admission of confession; Confession made under threat or duress; Confession made by inducement;
Out of Court Confession Rules ; Onus of proving voluntariness of confession; before whom confession
should be made ;Retraction/Repudiation of confession; Confession by accomplice.

CASES
Swami v. King Emperor [1939] All ER 396
Muriuki v R [1975] EA 223
Deokinanan v. R [1968]2 All ER 346
Kaluma v. R [1989] 2KLR 163
Njuguna s/o Kimani v. R [1954]21 EACA 316
DPP v. Ping Lin [1967] AC 575
Ibrahim v. R [1914] AC 599
Onyango Otolito v R [1959] EA 986
Wambunya v R [1993] KLR 133
Tuwamoi v. Uganda [1962] EA 84
Kinyori s/o Karunditu v. R [1956] 23 EACA 480
Ezekia v. R [1972] EA 427
Mwangi s/o Njoroge v. R (1954) E.A.C.A. 357
R v Maalim Komora Godana & Anor [2006] eKLR
R v Kirambia Icheria [2008] eKLR
Douglas Thiongo Kibocha v R [2009] eKLR
Mary Wanjiku Gitonga v R [2010] eKLR
R v Simon Ngahu Njuguna & Anor [2011] eKLR
R v Kamutu Kazungu [2014] eKLR
Jones Mulinge Muindi & anor v R [2014] eKLR

WEEK EIGHT & NINE; BURDEN & STANDARD OF PROOF

1. The Legal burden.

2. The evidential burden.
3. The incidence of the legal burden and evidential burden.
4. Shifting the burden of proof.
5. Standard of proof in civil cases.
6. Standard of proof in criminal cases.

SUGGESTED READING MATERIALS;

COURSE OUTLINE LAW OF EVIDENCE ONE 5

  Kyalo Mbobu, 2013 The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, Law Africa Publishing (K) Ltd
pages 107-132.
 The Evidence Act 9 Chapter 80 of the Laws of Kenya) ss,107-119
 Kean, A. (1996) The Modern Law of Evidence, 4th Edition, Butterworths, London, pp.66-94.
 Tapper, C. (2010) Cross & Tapper on Evidence, 12th Edition, Oxford University Press, New York,
pp. 119-154.
 Ajwang v Republic (1983) KLR 337.
 Cheminigwa v R (1956 EACA 451.
 DPP v Morgan (1976) A.C 182 HL.
 John Kiarie Waweru v Beth Wambui Mugo & 2 others (2008) eKLR
 Karugi & Another v Kabiya & 3 others (1987) KLR 347.
 Kiarie v Republic (1984) KLR 739.
 Kimani v Gikanga (1965) EA 735 (CA)
 Kituu v Nzambi (1984) KLR 411.
 Murimi v R (1967) EA 542.
 Okero v Republic (1981) KLR 459.
 Onalo v Ludeki & 2 others (No.3) (2008) 3 KLR (EP) 614.
 Ryde v Bushel (1967) EA 817.
 Waera s/p Madoya v R (1962) EA 783.
 Wakelin v London & South Western Rly (1886) 12 App Cas HL.
 Woolmington v DPP (1935) A.C. 462 HL.

WEEK TEN & ELEVEN: COMPETENCE & COMPELLABILITY OF WITNESSES

Meaning of “competence” and “compellability.”

1. Common law rules on the competence and compellability of various categories of witnesses.
2. Modern rules on the competence and compellability of various categories of witnesses;
a.) Spouses
b.) Accomplices.
c.) Children of tender years.
d.) Senile and extremely old witnesses.
e.) Persons of unsound mind.
f.) Foreign Sovereigns and diplomats.
g.) Bankers.
3. Oaths and affirmations.

SUGGESTED READING MATERIALS;

 Kyalo Mbobu, 2013 The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, Law Africa Publishing (K) Ltd
pages 135-150.
 The Evidence Act 9 (Chapter 80 of the Laws of Kenya) ss,124-143.
 The Privileges and Immunities Act (Chapter 179 of the Laws of Kenya), ss. 4 and 5 and 1st and
2nd schedule).
COURSE OUTLINE LAW OF EVIDENCE ONE 6
  The Vienna Convection on Diplomatic Relations.
 The Vienna Convection on Consular Relations.
 Kean, A. (1996) The Modern Law of Evidence, 4th Edition, Butterworths, London, pp.98-115.
 Tapper, C. (2010) Cross & Tapper on Evidence, 12th Edition, Oxford University Press, New York,
pp. 223-271.
 Hollington v F. Hewthorn & Co. Ltd (1943) 2 All ER 35.
 Johnson Muiruri v Republic (1984) KLR 445.
 Mwangi v Republic (2008) 1 KLR 1134.
 Oloo v Republic (2009) KLR 416.
 R v Amkeyo (1917) KLR 14.
 R v Hayes (1971) WLR 234.
 R v Hill (1851) 2 Den 254.
 R v Kemble (1990) 3 All ER 116 CA.
 R v Khan (1986) 84 Cr. App Rep 44, CA.

WEEK TWELVE: CAT 2

WEEK THIRTEEN: PUBLIC POLICY AND PRIVILEDGE

1. Public policy.
a.) Meaning & nature.
b.) Rationale for exclusion of evidence on grounds of public policy.
c.) Scope for exclusion of evidence on public policy.
2. Privilege.
a.) Meaning & nature.
b.) Rationale for exclusion of evidence on grounds of privilege.
c.) Categories of privilege.
 Advocate-client privilege
 Spousal privilege
 Others

SUGGESTED READING MATERIALS;

 Kyalo Mbobu, 2013 The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, Law Africa Publishing (K) Ltd.
 The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 Art. 50 (2) (1).
 The Evidence Act 9 (Chapter 80 of the Laws of Kenya) ss,128-143.
 The Parliamentary Powers & Privileges Act 2017.
 Contempt of Court Act 2016
 Kean, A. (1996) The Modern Law of Evidence, 4th Edition, Butterworths, London, pp.476-541.

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  Tapper, C. (2010) Cross & Tapper on Evidence, 12th Edition, Oxford University Press, New York,
pp. 415-527.
 Air Canada v Secretary of State for Trade (No. 2) (1983) 1 All ER 910.
 Alfred Crompton Amusement Machines Ltd v Customs & Excise Comrs No. 2 (1972) 2 QB 102.
 Asia Petroleum C. Ltd v Anglo-Persian Oil Co. Ltd (1916) 1 KB CA.
 Attorney General v Mulholland (1963) 2 QB 477.
 Balfour v Foreign and Commonwealth Office (1994) 2 All ER 588 CA.
 Brannigan v Davidson (1997) AC 238.
 British Steel Corporation v Granada Television Ltd (1981) AC 1096 HL
 Calcraft v Guest (1898) 1 QB 759.
 Christ for all Nations v Apollo Insurance Co. Ltd (2002) 2 E.A 366.
 Conway v Rimmer (1968) AC 910.
 Dancan & Another v Cammel Laird & Co. Ltd (1942) AC 624 HL.
 Duchess of Argyll v Duke of Argyll & others (1967) Ch. 302.
 Ellis v Home Office (1953) 2 QB 135.
 Gemini Personnel Ltd v Morgan and Bank Ltd 92001) NZLR 14.
 ITC Film Distributors v Video Exchange Ltd (1932) Ch. 431.
 Lloyd v Mostyn (1842) 10 M & W 478.
 Marks v Beyfus (1895) 25 QB 494.
 Minet v Morgan (1873) LR8 Ch. 361.
 Omari s/o Hassan v R (1956) 23 EA 550.
 Quiticorp Industries Group Ltd v Hawkins (1990) 2 NZLR 14.
 R v Cox and Railton (1884) 14 QB 153.
 R v Derby Magistrate’s Court exparte B (1995) 4 All ER 526.
 R v Rankine (1986) 2 All ER 566.
 R v Tomplins (1977) 67 Cr App Rep 181.
 Wentworth v Lloyd (1864) HL Cas 589.

WEEK FOURTEEN: ESTOPPEL

1. Principal types of estoppel.

a. Estoppel by deed
b. Estoppel by conduct
c. Estoppel by record
d. Equitable Estoppel

SUGGESTED READING MATERIALS:

 Kyalo Mbobu 2013 The Law and Practice of Evidence in Kenya, Law Africa Publishing (K)
Ltd pages 83-105.
CASES

 Law v. Bouveries [1891]3 Ch. 82

 Maritime Electric Co. Ltd v. General Dairies Ltd [1939] A.C. 610
 Canada and Dominian Sugar Co. Ltd v. Canadian National [1947] A.C. 46
 Pickard v. Sears [1837] 6 A & e 469, 474
 Greenwood v. Martin's Bank [1933] A.C 51
 Jorden v. Money (1854) H.L. Cas. 185
 Central London Guaranty Trust v. High Trees House [1947] K.B 130

COURSE OUTLINE LAW OF EVIDENCE ONE 8

  Rajabali Hassan v. Hassanali Manji Haji [1961] E.A 720
 Freeman v. Cooke (1848) 2 Exch 654, 1843-60 ALL E.R 185
 Lowe v. Lombank [1960] 1 W.L.R 196
 Coventry Sheppard & Cn v. Cr. E. Ry [1885] 11Q.B.D 776
 Combe v. Combe 1951 2 K.B. 215
 Nurdin Bandali v. Tanganyika Ltd [1963] E.A 307
 Century automobiles v. Hutchings Biemer [1965] E.A 304
 Chatrath v. Shah [1967] E.A 93 (C.A)
 Baker v. Dewey (1823) 1 B & C 704
 Greer v. Kettle [1958] A.C 156 (HL)
 Carpenter v. Buller (1841) 8 M & W. 209
 Jenabai Sachea v. Shamsa (1953) E.A 227 (Z)
 E,A Power Co. v. Dandora Quarries [1967] E.A. 728
 Projapat v. Ashok Cotton Co, [1964] E.A 309, 316 (U)
 Folkes & Co. v. Thakrar [1959] E.A 36 (CA)
 Rodseth v. Shaw [1967] E.A 833 (K)
 Ravi Bin Mohamed v. Ahmed (1957] E.A 782
 Priestman v. Thomas (1884) 9 A.C 210
 Mills v. Cooper [1967] 2 Q.B 459
 Bell v. Homes [1959] ALL E.R 449
 Wood v. Luscombe [1964] ALL E.R 972
 Brusden v. Humprey (1884) 14 Q.B.D 141
 Workington Harbour Board v. Trade indemnity [1938] ALL E.R 101
 Guest v. Warren (1854) 9 Ex. 379
 Raddolf v-Jaskoim [1939] ALL E.R. 273
 Thompson v. Thompson [1957] 1 ALL E.R, 161
 Hayward v. Havard [1961] 1 ALL E.R. 236
 United Overseas Bank v. Jiwani [1977] ALL ER 236
 D.P.P. v Humpreys [1977] A.C. 1
 Chase International Investment Corporation & Another v. Laxman Keshra & Others
[1978] K.L.R. 143
 Njuguna Wamuti v Simeon Koimburi Civil Appeal No. 31 of 1978 (C.A. unreported)
 Hollington v. Hewthron & Co. [1943] KB 857
 Robinson v Oluoch [1971] E.A 376
 Queens Cleaners Ltd v. E.A.C & Another [1972] E.A 229
 Meng Leeng Development Ltd vs. Jip Hon. Trading Co. Ltd [1985]1 ALL E.R. 120
 Tai King Cotton Mill Ltd v. LJ11 Chang Ring Bank Ltd [1986] A.C 80

WEEK FIFTEEN; REVISION

WEEK SIXTEEN & SEVENTEEN: EXAMINATIONS

Signed: ……………………………… LECTURER

Signed: ………………………………. HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

Signed: ………………………………. DEAN-SCHOOL OF LAW

-END-

COURSE OUTLINE LAW OF EVIDENCE ONE 9