Testimony Flashcards
What is an eligible witness?
Lawfully able to give evidence on behalf of both prosecution and defence
What is a compellable witness?
If they can be required to give evidence against their will for both prosecution and defence
Can a spouse give evidence against the defendant?
Yes - s71 is any person can give evidence
What happens if juror is given permission to give evidence
Evidence given then be discharged and trial continues with 11
What are the compellability rules of co-defendants and associated defendants in giving evidence?
Co-Defendant is not a compellable witness. Meaning they don’t have to give evidence if they don’t want to.
Associated defendant is being tried separately then they can be compelled to give evidence for the crown or defence
What happens to compellability if an associated defendant is a codefendant at the defendants trial?
Ordinary rule of non compellability will apply but if the associated defendant is not a co defendant then they can be compelled to give evidence for the prosecution or defence
What is an associated defendant?
Where the offending is related to the same offence another defendant is being tried. EG. Defendant being tried for burgs and then associated defendant is tried for receiving such stolen property.
Who is not compellable to give evidence
Judge
Head of state of another country
Governor general
What is privilege?
Right to refuse to disclose or to prevent disclosure to what would otherwise be admissible.
The public interest underlying the claim must be significant and outweighs the interests of the court
Three reasons how does privilege evidence arise?
Contents of the evidence
Class of the evidence
Nature of the relationship
Types of privilege
Comms with legal advisors
Solicitors trust accounts
Settlement negotiations or mediation
Communications with ministers of religion
Information obtained by medical practitioners
Informer privilege
Under s53 a person who has privilege under s54-59 has a right to refuse to disclose in a proceeding what 3 things?
- the communication
- the information, including any info in the communication
- any opinion formed by a person based off the comms and info
What must you enquire if claim of privilege is made?
Enquire if the comms, info, document or opinion is within the scope of the privilege as it can differ. Eg. Some protect info and other protect comms
What happens if a person received privileged material that didn’t have the appropriate authorisation?
Judge can order that communication, info, document or opinion not to be disclosed
Can privilege be waived by the person entitled to it?
Yes however an ‘interested person’ may still apply for an order so that the privileged material is not admissible