CLP Flashcards
What are adverse inferences
Common sense conclusion
S34 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
If a fact is later relied on at trial and it would have been reasonable to have mentioned it in the interview. The suspect must have been cautioned
S36 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
If there is a failure to account for a mark, object or substance. The suspect must have been given a special warning.
S37 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
If there is a failure to account for presence at the scene. The suspect must have been given a special warning.
S38 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
No defendant may be convicted sole based on adverse interferences.
No adverse inference can be drawn where the suspect has not been allowed access to legal advice
s34 reasonable to have mentioned
circumstances existing at the time can include:
- what disclosure the police made to the suspect to the lawyer
- what information the prosecution can demonstrate the suspect knew at the time of the questioning or change.
- the condition and circumstances of the suspect
- any legal advice the suspect received
‘because my lawyer told me to say no comment’ does not prevent adverse inferences being drawn- but can help the court in Considering whether to draw one.
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