Modern Theories of Relevancy, 1931-1981

Abstract

Theories of relevancy from 1931 to 1981: introduction. Wigmore was the dominant figure in the law of evidence for almost half a century, and his influence remains substantial today. While much of his reputation and influence rest on his detailed analyses of particular evidentiary problems, some of his general views about the nature of relevancy and evidence also percolated into judicial decisions. In the last fifty years, however, there have been important departures from Wigmore's general theoretical analysis, and this shift in emphasis gathered significant momentum after Wigmore's death in 1943.