Evidence (condensed) Flashcards
Define evidence
The whole body of material which a court or tribunal may take into account in reaching their decision.
What is the general rule of evidence? (Must know)
That all facts in issue and facts relevant to the issue must be proved by evidence.
The two main exceptions to the general rule are when no evidence needs to be given of facts because:
- judicial notice is taken
- the facts are formally admitted.
When is evidence admissible?
If it is legally able to be received by the court.
The weight of evidence
Its value in relation to the facts in issue.
The “weight” is the degree of probative force that can be accorded to the evidence.
How evidence may be given in a proceeding - In the ordinary way
Either orally in a courtroom in the presence of a judge (or judge and jury), parties to the proceeding, counsel, and members of the public allowed by the judge; or in an affidavit filed in court or by reading a written statement in a courtroom.
How evidence may be given in a proceeding - in an alternative way
In the courtroom but unable to see the defendant or other person, outside the courtroom, or by video recording made before the hearing.
How evidence may be given in a proceeding - in any other way
Provided for by the Evidence Act 2006 or any other relevant enactment
What is a statement?
A spoken or written assertion by a person, or non-verbal conduct of a person intended by that person as an assertion of any matter.
Who is a witness?
A person who gives evidence in a proceeding and is able to be cross-examined.
What is a hearsay statement?
This is a statement made by a person other than a witness, and is offered in evidence in the proceeding to prove the truth of its contents.
What is veracity?
This is the disposition of a person to refrain from lying, whether generally or in a proceeding.
What is propensity evidence?
This is evidence about a person’s propensity to act in a particular way or have a particular state of mind, and includes evidence of acts, omissions, events or circumstances with which a person is alleged to have been involved.
What is direct evidence?
This is any evidence given by a witness as to a fact in issue that he or she has seen, heard or otherwise experienced.
What is circumstantial evidence?
This is evidence of circumstances that do not directly prove any fact in issue, but which allow inferences about the existence of those facts to be drawn.
What is the Woolmington principle?
The presumption of innocence - the burden of proof lies clearly with the prosecution in relation to all elements of the offence.
What are the exceptions to the Woolmington principle?
- The defence of insanity
- Express statutory exceptions
- Public welfare regulatory offences.
Standard of proof
Prosecution - beyond reasonable doubt
Defence - balance of probabilities
R v Wanhalla - beyond reasonable doubt
“An honest and reasonable uncertainty left in your mind about the guilt of the defendant after you have given careful and impartial consideration to all of the evidence.”
R v Wanhalla - presumption of innocence meaning
“The presumption of innocence means that the accused does not have to give or call any evidence and does not have to establish his or her innocence.”
What is a ‘reasonable doubt’?
An honest and reasonable uncertainty left in your mind about the guilt of the defendant after you have given careful and impartial consideration to all of the evidence.
What is the balance of probabilities?
Where the defence is required to prove a particular element, such as insanity, on the balance of probabilities, it must simply show that it is more probable than not. If the probabilities are equal, the burdan is not discharged.
RRFCEL
What are the 6 objectives set out in section 6 of the Evidence Act 2006 and what is the purpose?
(a) Providing for facts to be established by the application of logical Rules;
(b) Providing rules of evidence that recognise the importance of the Rights affirmed by BORA;
(c) Promoting Fairness to parties and witnesses;
(d) Protecting rights of Confidentiality and other important public interests;
(e) Avoiding unjustifiable Expense and delay;
(f) Enhancing access to the Law of evidence.
Purpose - To help secure the just determination of proceedings.
What makes good evidence - facts that prove the charge
The facts must prove the elements of the charge, and the evidence should be made up of facts that prove the charge.
What makes good evidence - facts in issue
Facts which in law need to be proven to succeed with the case.