5 CH 8 - Law Of Evidence Flashcards
What is the ‘Woolmingham Principle?’ (2)
- The presumption of innocence
- Burden of proof lies with the prosecution
With regard to the Woolmington Principle and the burden of proof, what is the ultimate question for the jury?
“Has the prosecution proved their case?”
What are the offences called where the Woolmington Principle is seen simply to not apply?
- Public Reglatory Welfare Offences
- to regulate everyday conduct having a tendency to endanger the public rather rather than to punish individuals- speeding tickets/parking tickets
- prosecution does not have to prove mens rea just the actus reus
- Defendant has an onus on balance of probabailities that he had no fault
What is the standard of proof on a defendant where the burden lies with them?
eg Insanity defence
On the balance of probablilities (More probable that not)
What is ‘Reasonable Doubt? HUG CA
R v Peato
- An honest and reasonable
- uncertainty
- left in your mind about the guilt of an accused
- after careful and impartial consideration of
- all the evidence
What did the decision say about the standard of proof of ‘Beyond reasonable doubt’ in the R v Wanhalla direction?
“…at the end of the case you are sure the accused is guilty.”
Can the court accept the testimony of one witness without corroborating evidence?
Yes if sufficiently satisfied with its cogency
What two types of offences require corroborating evidence and more than just the testimony of one witness?
PT
- Perjury and related offences
- Treason (some other independent evidence is required)
When it comes to reliability of eyewitness evidence what are our memories prone to? I,D,F
- Incomplete
- Distort
- Forget
s.45 Admissibility of visual ID EvidenceAccording to s.45(4)
What are “good reasons” for not following formal proceedure for gathering ID evidence?
RSCNIC
- Refusal by subject to take part in ID proceedure
- Singular appearance of person
- Substantial change in appearance
- Did Not anticipate ID would be an issue at trial
- ID made to officer immediately after event
- Chance meeting ID
s.45 Admissibility of visual ID Evidences.45(3) outlines what is ‘formal procedure’ for obtaining visual identification evidence.
What are the seven points? (7) ACNIWSC
- ASAP after offence
- Compare to 7 or more persons
- No indication to be given to witness
- Inform witness that person may or may not be in montage
- Written record
- Procedure (sworn true) pictorial record of montage (certified true)
- Comply with further requirements of s.201
What was said in relation to ‘Recognition ID Evidence’ in Harney v R?
Witness recognising a person is not necessarily good reason to not do formal ID procedure. Unless person was significantly known to person prior to alleged offending. Formal procedure may assist defence in highlighting element of unreliable ID Each case need to be gauged
s.46 EA2006 relates to admissibility of voice identification evidence.
What is the standard of proof required for this type of evidence to be admissable?
Balance of probabilities (probably reliable)
What three sections in the Evidence Act 2006 can exclude a defendants statment
Clue: ROI 28
- Reliability Rule (s.28)
- Oppression Rule (s.29)
- Improperly Obtained Evidence Rule (s.30)
The Reliability Rule What are the two exceptions to the reliability rule that allow statements to be admitted?
SA
- Producing statement to show physical, mental and psychological condition of defendant.
- Offers to show only that statement was actually made