Commital Proceedings Flashcards
1
Q
What are the purposes of committal proceedings?
A
- test the strength of the prosecutions case
- Give the accused an opertunity to understand the case and cross examine witnesses of the prosecution.
- The prosecution presents all their evidence to establish a Prima Facie case (on the face of it appears to be enough evidence), and also so the accused knows the evidence against them.
2
Q
What are the steps involved in committal proceedings?
A
- To see whether a charge for an indictable offence is appropiate to be heard summarily.
- To decide if there is enough evidence to support a conviction for the offence.
- To find out the plea of the accused
- To ensure there is a fair trial.
3
Q
How do committal proceedings ensure a fair trial?
A
- Making sure the prosecutions case is disclosed to the accused
- Giving the accused an opportunity to hear or read evidence and cross examine the witnesses if they chose to do so.
- Allows the accused to put forward a case at an early stage if they want to.
- Allows the accused to prepare their case properly, and understand the issues to be argued and have these properly defined.