Topic 11- Examination of Witnesses Flashcards
What is examination-in-chief?
This is the examination of a witness by the party calling him
The object is to elicit evidence supportive of the party’s case
What is the general rule in examination-in-chief questioning?
You cannot ask leading questions
What is a leading question?
A question framed in such a way to suggest the answer sought
Can leading questions be allowed in examination-in-chief?
They may be allowed in the interests of justice, at the discretion of the judge
What circumstances can leading questions be asked in examination-in-chief?
May be asked on formal and introductory matters
If the witness is to be treated as hostile
What circumstances can a document be used to refresh the witness’ memory in EiC?
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
What is the definition of a document?
Anything in which information of any description is recorded
Does not include sounds, or moving images
What is the requirement for a document to be used as a refresher for a witness?
It must have been prepared by the witness himself
If a witness refreshes his memory from a statement before going into the witness box, do the refreshing conditions apply?
No
If a witness has refreshed their memory from a document, can the other side inspect the document?
Yes, and they can then cross-examine the witness upon the relevant matters
Are previous complaints made by a witness admissible?
Yes
Can previous consistent or self-serving statements be admissible in examining a witness?
No, but there are exceptions
What are the exceptions to admissibility of self-serving/previous consistent sentences?
Res gestae
Accusations
Is this statement admissible:
I killed X. If I had not done so, X would have certainty killed me.
Yes, as it is an accusation which is admissible
If a witness admits making an inconsistent statement, is that statement admissible?
Yes
Can a party ask questions concerning their own witness’ bad character, previous convictions, etc?
No, they should not impeach or discredit their own witness
However, there is one exception
What is the exception to a party asking questions on their own witness’s bad character?
If it supports part of the prosecution case
When can an application to treat a witness as hostile be made?
When the witness first shows signs of hostility
What are signs of a hostile witness?
If the witness gives contradictory and adverse statements
If a judge determines a witness to be hostile, can this be appealed?
No, the decision will be absolute
What are the factors a judge will consider when deciding if a witness is hostile?
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
What is cross-examination?
This is the questioning of a witness by the opposing party
Can an accused cross-examine any witness called by the prosecution?
Yes
But there are exceptions
What are the exceptions for an accused in person cross-examining any witness called by the prosecution?
If they have been charged with a sexual offence, they may not cross-examine the complainant
If the witness is a protected witness