Evidence Cases Flashcards
R v Wong kam ming 1980
Voir dire
Answers given in Voir dire should not be adduced to jury
Questions should be limited to the issue in Voir dire eg was confession voluntary
R v Galbraith 1981
No case to answer
2 limbs
1= there is no evidence that a crime has been committed or
2= there is some evidence before the court but it is tenuous or inconsistent in nature
R v Woolmington 1935
Golden thread always to be seen which is that it is the duty of the prosecution to prove the defendants guilt subject to statutory exception
R v hunt 1987
Reverse burdens
Burden will be on the prosecution if putting the burden on d to satisfy exception would be to difficult to discharge
R v lambert 2002
Reverse burden -Evidential burdens
If a reverse burden conflicts with article 6 then it will be downgraded to evidential burden
R v kebilene 2000
Article 6 2 absolute but 3 questions
1- what do pros have to prove to transfer onus to d
2- does the burden imposed on d relate to something difficult or easy to prove
3- what is the nature of the threat faced by society which the provision is designed to combat
What does Competence section 53(1) YJCEA say and how will judge decide
All persons competent unless
A) not able to understand questions put
B) not able to give answers that are understood
Could be a Voir dire
Co accused is competent for prosecution if no longer part of proceedings
Can judge comment if a particular witness is not called ?
Yes but exercise care
Privilege against self incrimination
Is it rooted
Must it be reasserted
R v s (f) 2009- privilege is deeply rooted in common law
Allhusen v labouchere 1878- must reassert privilege every time asked a question that may incriminate him
R v kinglake 1870 - Wrongly obliged to incriminate himself is not grounds for quashing
Privilege against self incrimination and pre existing documents
Saunders or kearns -Right to silence does not apply to material existing independently
Public immunity
R v h 2003 7 stages
If material did not weaken the prosecution case or strengthen the ln there would be no requirement to disclose it
Overriding principle that derogation from the principle of full disclosure had always to be the minimum necessary to protect the public interest in question and must never imperil the overall fairness
1) consider the material
2) if does not weaken the pros case or strengthen d case then no disclosure
3) if serious prejudice to public interest then no disclosure
4) make sure minimum necessary to protect public interest
What is a confession
Section 82 - any statement wholly or party adverse to person who made it in words or otherwise
R v sharp 1988
Mixed statement go in as one confession
Can silence amount to a confession
Mitchell 1982- if on equal terms then can
Parkes 1977 - must reasonably warrant a response
Not contradict a lie confession
Stevie 2005- yes will be held against them
Restrictions on admissibility of confession
76(2)
A) oppression not allowed
B) not allowed if consequence of anything said or done that make it unreliable
Pros must prove beyond reasonable doubt that not made through these ways
Will inference be drawn under s34 if it is because of legal advice ?
R v condron - yes
Is Inference from silence allowed if interview is in breach of codes ?
R v gayle - no
R v Bresa 2005
Explains direction given for jury to draw inference from d silence
Section 36 and section 37 of criminal justice and public order act 1984
36- Draw inferences from d silence about presence of objects or substances
37- silence about being in particular place
What does oppression mean for purposes of s76(2) (a)
Also what does r v Paris say
R v fulling 1987- ordinary meaning eg exercise of authority or power in a harsh or wrongful manner - injust or cruel treatment
Paris - actions can be seen as more oppressive depending on person
What sort of things would make a Confession unreliable
Denied access to a solicitor s58 pace
No note of if Interview ie breaches of codes
R v Barry 1992- whether confession is unreliable 3 steps
1) identify the thing said or done
2) was it likely to render unreliable
3) have pros proved beyond reasonable doubt
Can you still use 78 to exclude confession and what things done might facilitate use of 78
R v mason 1988 - police lie and say they have evidence Whne they do not
R v hunt 1992- questioning someone Whne there was insufficient grounds to arrest
R v sparks 1991- failure to caution is usually significant and substantial breach of codes
What is hearsay ?
Section 15- an out of court statement eg fact or opinion tendered for the truth of its contents
What is the purpose rule and a case
Using the statement for any other reason other than truth
R v gilfoyle - told her friends she had been asked to write a suicide note - used to show she was worried
Is hearsay limited to what a person says
Would only apply to machine if human input
Are implied assertions hearsay
No
R v twist hearsay steps
1- Identify relevant fact
2- ask whether there is a statement
3- ask whether statement made for truth of it