Opinion Flashcards

1
Q

The Opinion Rule

S 23

A

A statement of opinion is not admissible in a proceeding, except as provided by S 24 or S 25.

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2
Q

“Opinion” as per S 4

A

A statement of opinion that tends to prove or disprove a fact.

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3
Q

Rationale of the opinion rule

“To prevent…”

A

To prevent the admission of unreliable, superfluous or misleading evidence.

To admit admit such evidence would result in the admission of evidence of doubtful relevance and be a waste of court time.

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4
Q

Justifications for the opinion rule (3)

A

-Where a witness offers a bare opinion, it hold little probative weight

-Opinion evidence could confuse the tribunal of fact and prolong proceedings

-a witness’ evidence of opinion may be based on other evidence which, if stated expressly, would be inadmissible (e.g. where an opinion is based largely on propensity evidence).

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5
Q

General Admissibility of Opinion

S 24

A

A witness may state an opinion in evidence in a proceeding if that opinion is necessary to enable the witness to communicate, or the fact-finder to understand, what the witness saw, heard or otherwise perceived.

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6
Q

Two basic criteria for S 24

A

Opinion MUST be the only way in which to effectively communicate the information to the fact-finder

The witness MUST be stating an opinion from something personally perceived.

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7
Q

Criteria for expert opinion evidence to comply with S 25? (3)

A

The opinion must:

-be that of an expert

-comprise “expert evidence”

-offer substantial help to the fact-finder in understanding other evidence or ascertaining any fact in the proceeding

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8
Q

“Expert”

-As per S 4?
-Who determines if someone is an expert?
-What is the expert required to demonstrate?

A

A person who has specialised knowledge or skill based on training, study or experience.

Judge must determine whether the expert witness is properly qualified to testify. Opinions given by non-experts on matters calling for expertise are inadmissible.

The expert is required to demonstrate to the court that he/she has the requisite qualification to be deemed “expert” in the field in question.

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9
Q

S 25(4) - expert evidence about the sanity of a person.

A

If expert evidence about the sanity of a person is based in whole or in part on a statement that the person made TO THE EXPERT about the person’s state of mind, then-

(a) the statement of the person is admissible to establish the facts on which the expert’s opinion is based; and

(b) neither the hearsay rule nor the previous consistent statements rule applies to evidence of the statement made by the person.

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10
Q

R v Hutton principles (8)

A

-expert must state qualifications when giving evidence.
-the facts, matters and assumptions on which opinions are expressed must be stated explicitly.
-the reasons for opinions given must be stated explicitly.
-any literature or other material used or relied upon to support opinions must be referred to by the expert.
-expert must not give opinion evidence outside their area of expertise.
-if the expert believes their evidence is incomplete or inaccurate without some qualification, that qualification must be stated.
-expert has an overriding duty to assist the court impartially on relevant matters within their area of expertise.
-expert is not an advocate for any party.

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