Topic 11- Examination of Witnesses Flashcards

1
Q

What is examination-in-chief?

A

This is the examination of a witness by the party calling him

The object is to elicit evidence supportive of the party’s case

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2
Q

What is the general rule in examination-in-chief questioning?

A

You cannot ask leading questions

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3
Q

What is a leading question?

A

A question framed in such a way to suggest the answer sought

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4
Q

Can leading questions be allowed in examination-in-chief?

A

They may be allowed in the interests of justice, at the discretion of the judge

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5
Q

What circumstances can leading questions be asked in examination-in-chief?

A

May be asked on formal and introductory matters

If the witness is to be treated as hostile

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6
Q

What circumstances can a document be used to refresh the witness’ memory in EiC?

A

If the document records his memory at the time it was made

That his recollection at that time is likely to have been better than at the time of oral evidence

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7
Q

What is the definition of a document?

A

Anything in which information of any description is recorded

Does not include sounds, or moving images

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8
Q

What is the requirement for a document to be used as a refresher for a witness?

A

It must have been prepared by the witness himself

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9
Q

If a witness refreshes his memory from a statement before going into the witness box, do the refreshing conditions apply?

A

No

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10
Q

If a witness has refreshed their memory from a document, can the other side inspect the document?

A

Yes, and they can then cross-examine the witness upon the relevant matters

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11
Q

Are previous complaints made by a witness admissible?

A

Yes

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12
Q

Can previous consistent or self-serving statements be admissible in examining a witness?

A

No, but there are exceptions

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13
Q

What are the exceptions to admissibility of self-serving/previous consistent sentences?

A

Res gestae

Accusations

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14
Q

Is this statement admissible:

I killed X. If I had not done so, X would have certainty killed me.

A

Yes, as it is an accusation which is admissible

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15
Q

If a witness admits making an inconsistent statement, is that statement admissible?

A

Yes

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16
Q

Can a party ask questions concerning their own witness’ bad character, previous convictions, etc?

A

No, they should not impeach or discredit their own witness

However, there is one exception

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17
Q

What is the exception to a party asking questions on their own witness’s bad character?

A

If it supports part of the prosecution case

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18
Q

When can an application to treat a witness as hostile be made?

A

When the witness first shows signs of hostility

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19
Q

What are signs of a hostile witness?

A

If the witness gives contradictory and adverse statements

20
Q

If a judge determines a witness to be hostile, can this be appealed?

A

No, the decision will be absolute

21
Q

What are the factors a judge will consider when deciding if a witness is hostile?

A

If the witness is willing to assist the trial

If the witness has been proven to be hostile

If the witness has been proven to have made inconsistent statements

22
Q

What is cross-examination?

A

This is the questioning of a witness by the opposing party

23
Q

Can an accused cross-examine any witness called by the prosecution?

A

Yes

But there are exceptions

24
Q

What are the exceptions for an accused in person cross-examining any witness called by the prosecution?

A

If they have been charged with a sexual offence, they may not cross-examine the complainant

If the witness is a protected witness

25
What are the circumstances where the judge will refuse the accused in person to cross examine a witness?
If the quality of evidence by the witness would be diminished by cross-examination If it would not be contrary to the interests of justice
26
Where an accused in person is prohibited from cross-examining a witness, what will the court suggest?
They will invite the accused to appoint a legal representative
27
What is the objective of cross-examination?
To elicit from the witness evidence supporting the cross-examining party's version of facts in issue To weaken or cast doubt upon the accuracy of the evidence To impeach the witness's credibility
28
Can the judge ask a witness questions?
Yes, in particular where the accused is unrepresented, and it is in the interests of justice
29
What circumstances may a judge ask a witness questions?
In order to clarify ambiguities in answers
30
What are the restrictions on questioning in cross-examination?
The questions should be confined to putting questions of fact No need for lengthy questioning on matters that aren't in issue
31
How can the judge restrict cross-examination?
By putting time limits on the duration of the questioning
32
What are collateral matters?
Matters which go merely to credit but which are irrelevant to the issues in the case
33
Is evidence that contradicts a witness' denial of bias towards party admissible?
Yes
34
After cross-examination of a witness, can that witness be re-examined?
Yes, but they should be asked about matters arising in cross-examination
35
What special measures can be used for special witnesses (eg, children, disabled)?
Screening the witness from the accused Giving evidence by live link Giving evidence in private Removal of wigs and gowns Video recording of evidence Witness anonymity orders
36
What are the main categories of eligibility for special witnesses?
Witnesses under 18 Vulnerable witnesses affected by mental or physical impairments Witnesses in fear or distress Complainants of sexual offences or slavery Witnesses in homicide or firearm cases
37
If a witness is not eligible for special measures, what can they do to get them?
The court must determine whether the quality of the evidence would be diminished by the witness' condition They can then give them special measures for testifying
38
What are the circumstances needed for a witness to use live link?
Person's availability Suitability of live link facilities Importance of the evidence
39
What is an intermediary measure for a defendant?
Where the defendant can be assisted by an intermediary, to facilitate their participation in the trial
40
What is the role of an intermediary?
To assist a defendant's communication needs and effective participation in trial
41
What are the two conditions for a witness to be offered to refresh their memory under s139?
The document records their recollection at the time Their recollection the time was better than during their examination
42
Where a witness mentioned a key detail in their witness statement, but then denies it in examination, what should be done?
An application for permission to cross-examine the witness on the basis that they are a hostile witness
43
Can a hostile witness be re-examined?
Yes
44
If a witness is making statements that obviously do not line up with their witness statement (likely due to being hostile), what can the examining party do during their EiC?
Apply to ask leading questions to the witness This is to treat them as a hostile witness
45
When a defendant enters a guilty plea, can they choose to offer to give evidence against their co-accused as a prosecution witness?
Yes