Evidence Flashcards
What is evidence?
The whole body of material a court may take into account in reaching their decision
Rules of evidence - 3 categories (HWT)
- HOW evidence may be given.
- WHO may give evidence.
- TYPE of material that may be given in evidence.
What is Relevant evidence?
Evidence that has a tendency to prove or disprove anything of consequence to the determination of a proceeding
Sec.7 Evidence Act 2006
All relevant evidence is admissible except evidence that is?
*Inadmissible
*Excluded
*Not relevant
What is prejudicial evidence?
Evidence adverse to a party’s case; jury may give it more weight than it deserves
Ways of Giving evidence
*Ordinary way - orally in court, or by consent, or reading a written statement if agreed upon by prosecution &defence
*Alternative way - in court but unable to be seen by defendant, including AVL
*any other way
Definition of a witness
Person who gives evidence and is able to be cross-examined
Definition of child complainant and child witness
Complainant/witness U/18 years when charges filed
Note - does not include defendant who is a child
Definition of veracity
Person’s disposition to refrain from lying
Sec.8 General Exclusion:
A judge must exclude evidence if?
Its probative value is outwieghed by the risk the evidence will
*have an unfairly prejudicial effect on the proceeding
*needlessly prolong the proceeding
What is the Sec.8 General Exclusion test regarding evidence?
Balancing the probative value of evidence against the risk it will
*have an unfairly prejudicial effect on the proceeding
*needlessly prolong the proceeding
Definition of Admissible Evidence
Evidence that is legally able to be received by a court
What is the Woolmington Priciple?
The Burden of Proof lies with the prosecution in relation to all the elements of the offence
Definition of Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A very high standard of proof
Definition of Balance of Probabilities
More probable than not
If the defence suggest an explanation for the defendant’s actions, such as acting in self-defence, what is this known as?
Evidential Burden, on the defence.
The conduct of criminal trials follows what systems of justice?
Adversarial or Accusatorial
What ages must take an oath or affirmation before giving evidence?
Witnesses 12 years or older
If a witness is under 12 years old, what must a judge do before they give evidence?
Inform them of the importance of telling the truth and not lies; and
make a promise to tell the truth