LibGuides: Evidence Law: Legislation

Uniform evidence legislation jurisdictions

In 1987 the Australian Law Reform Commission recommended modernisation of the evidence rules for Territory and federal courts. In 1991 the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) gave 'in principle' support for uniform evidence laws.

The Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) provided a comprehensive law of evidence to apply in federal courts and, with the agreement of the Australian Capital Territory, in the courts of the ACT. In 1995, New South Wales enacted similar legislation.

Tasmania, Victoria, ACT and the Northern Territory have also now enacted uniform legislation.

Australian Uniform Evidence Law Legislation (CCH)
The full-text of all the Uniform Evidence Legislation with links to the relevant commentary in the Australian Uniform Evidence Law Commentary.
Evidence Act 1995 (Cth)
Evidence Act 2011 (ACT)
Evidence Act 1995 (NSW)
Evidence (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT)
Evidence Act 2001 (Tas)
Evidence Act 2008 (Vic)

Other Australian jurisdictions

Extrinsic material and guides

Evidence Bill 1994 (Cth) Explanatory Memorandum
Evidence Bill 1993 2nd Reading Speech (House of Representatives)
The bill was introduced into the House of Representatives on 15 December, 1993. It was introduced into the Senate on 7 November, 2004 when a revised Explanatory Memorandum was also tabled.
Uniform Evidence Manual - Judicial College of Victoria
A guide to the application of the Evidence Act 2008 (Vic). The Manual includes commentary on substantive sections of the Act; discussion of uniform evidence legislative policy and cross-references to the current edition of Stephen Odgers' Uniform Evidence Law.