Preface

• Author: David M. Paciocco/Lee Stuesser/Palma Paciocco
• Pages: 25-27

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PR EFAC E

As a young evidence professor, I agreed, along with my University

of Ottawa colleague Lee Stuesser — the best law teacher I have ever

encountered — to collaborate on an evidence textbook for the student

market. We attempted to simplify, and record concisely, the main rules

and principles of the law of evidence, and to ex plain the basic concepts

of evidence to law students. The book quickly became popular with

lawyers and judges, who proved to want more than just an accessible

catalogue of the authority th at is most frequently needed in the conduct

of trials or hearings. They too appreciated the basic instruction the

book provided. As I began to practise frequently, we identified areas

of evidence law that required particular focus, both to better serve the

professional market and to enhance the relevance of what was being

taught to evidence students across Canada. When, many years ago, the

National Judicial Institute adapted this book to assist in judicial educa-

tion, our success in straddling those two markets was affirmed.

Together, Lee and I prepared seven editions. Each of those editions

profited from Lee’s pedagogy, his concision, his fluid knowledge of the

law of several jurisdictions, his pragmatism, and his ability to focus on

what matters. Lee has now chosen to retire from the book. I want to

thank him for the inspiration he provided, for his immense contribu-

tion, but mostly for his friendship. I also want to wish him the best in

his retirement.

As Lee wound down his career, another career was winding up.

Commencing with the current edition, I am now working on this book