Wigmore's great work continues to influence the law of evidence as we move into the 21st century. From doctrinal considerations such as the nature of inference and the exclusionary rules to case analysis involving such lap-to-the-minute controversies as DNA fingerprinting and patient-psychotherapist privilege, this annually supplemented masterwork continues to provide authoritative guidance again and again. With the most comprehensive coverage you'll find anywhere, Wigmore's plan encompasses all this and more: Admissibility -- Relevancy -- Circumstantial evidence -- Character or disposition as evidence -- Opportunity -- Alibi -- Proving capacity, design, or intent -- Proving knowledge, belief, or consciousness -- Proving motive, feeling, or passion -- Proving identity -- Mental derangement or immaturity -- Moral depravity -- Testimonial recollection -- Confessions -- Impeachment -- Proving bias, corruption, or interest -- Contradiction and self-contradiction -- Rehabilitation -- The hearsay rule and its exceptions -- Opinions -- Authentication of documents -- Privilege -- Confidential communications -- Burdens and presumptions.

This extensively revised second edition covers the basic concepts and principles underlying the logic of proof; the uses and dangers of story-telling; probabilities and proof; the chart method and other methods of analyzing and ordering evidence. They are utilized in fact-investigation, preparing for trial, and in connection with other important decisions in legal processes and criminal investigation and intelligence analysis. Most of the chapters in the new edition have been rewritten; the treatment of fact investigation, probabilities and narrative has been extended; and new examples and exercises have been added.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1876.