Topic 8- Evidential Matters and Burden of Proof Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two facts in issue?

A

The facts which the prosecution bear the burden of proving or disproving

The facts which (in exceptional cases) the accused bears the burden of proving

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2
Q

Who must written admissions be put to?

A

The jury, provided they are relevant to an issue

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3
Q

Who makes formal admissions?

A

Counsel- the jury must be made aware of what has been formally admitted

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4
Q

What is the cardinal rule of law of evidence?

A

All evidence relevant to the facts in an issue is admissible

If it is not relevant, it may be excluded

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5
Q

Is evidence of motive, intention or knowledge inadmissible or admissible?

A

It is inadmissible, as it is irrelevant to what the Crown must prove

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6
Q

Is evidence of good character of a prosecution witness admissible?

A

Usually inadmissible, but could be admissible if relevant to an issue in case

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7
Q

What must be attached to the production of “real evidence”?

A

A testimony identifying the object and connecting it with the facts

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8
Q

What is real evidence?

A

Tangible objects that can be used as evidence

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9
Q

What is “view” evidence?

A

Inspection out of court of an object which is impossible to bring to court (eg, a car, a location, etc)

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10
Q

Who must attend a “view” of evidence>

A

The judge, the jury, the parties, the counsel

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11
Q

When must a “view” of evidence take place?

A

Before the conclusion of evidence

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12
Q

Who are questions of law for?

A

The judge

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13
Q

Who are questions of fact for?

A

The jury

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14
Q

What are examples of questions of law for the judge?

A

Admissibility of evidence

Accused is unfit to plead

Discharge of jury

Summing up

Burden of proof

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15
Q

What are examples of questions of fact for the jury?

A

The credibility of a witness

The weight of the evidence adduced

The existence or non-existence of facts in issue

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16
Q

Who decides on the questions of fact and law in summary trials?

A

The magistrates

But should seek advice from their legal advisor

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17
Q

What is contained in PACE 1984 s78(1)?

A

Evidence should be refused if the admission would have an adverse effect on the fairness of the proceedings

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18
Q

Where is the most important discretionary power to exclude otherwise admissible prosecution evidence contained?

A

PACE 1984 s78(1)

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19
Q

What is PACE 1984 s78(1) used for?

A

It may be used to exclude any evidence on which the prosecution rely (if it fits the criteria)

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20
Q

What are the two factors for excluding evidence at common law?

A
  1. Any admissible evidence which is likely to have a prejudicial effect out of proportion to its probative value
  2. Admissions/confessions obtained from the accused by unfair or improper means
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21
Q

If the prosecution wish to adduce evidence obtained by improper or unfair means, how can this be excluded?

A

Either through PACE 78, or through common law

22
Q

Does the judge have the power to exclude evidence?

A

Yes, if they believe its prejudicial effect will outweigh its probative value

23
Q

What are the two types of burden?

A

Legal burden

Evidential burden

24
Q

What is the standard of proof for discharging the legal burden if held by the prosecution?

A

Proof beyond reasonable doubt

25
What is the standard of proof for discharging the legal burden if held by the accused?
On the balance of probabilities
26
What is the evidential burden?
The burden imposed on a party to adduce sufficient evidence on facts in issue to satisfy the judge that such issues should be left to the jury
27
If there is no evidence sufficient to justify a jury concluding that the defence is established, what will happen?
The issue will be withdrawn
28
What is the general rule for legal burden?
That the prosecution bear the legal burden in proving all the elements in the offence necessary to establish guilt The defence therefore obviously don't need to prove the elements
29
What are the 3 exceptions to the general rule for legal burden? I.e, what circumstances arise where the accused bears the burden of proving certain facts?
Insanity Express statutory exceptions Implied statutory exceptions
30
In a case of rape, what negative averments must the prosecution prove?
That the complainant did not consent
31
What is the exception for legal burden in a case of defence of insanity? (i.e, where the accused must prove)
If the accused raises the defence of insanity, the accused bear the burden of proving it (on BoP
32
What is a key example of an expressed statutory exception to the general rule for legal burden? (ie. where the accused must prove an element)
Homicide Accused must prove that they are not liable to be convicted of murder --> i.e, getting it down to manslaughter
33
Why is the legal burden for offensive weapon cases different?
The expressed statutory exception arises The accused must prove on BoP that they had a reasonable excuse for possession
34
What is the reverse onus provision?
This is the exception to the general rule of legal burden Meaning the accused must prove an element
35
What is the standard of proof?
The degree to which proof must be established by a party bearing a burden of proof Eg, the standard for the jury to find the accused guilty
36
What directions must the judge give the jury on standard of proof?
The judge must make clear to the jury of the standard of proof the prosecution are required to meet (beyond reasonable doubt)
37
In the exceptional cases where there is a reverse onus of proof, how is a legal burden discharged by the accused?
By proving on the balance of probabilities
38
What is the definition of proof on the balance of probabilities?
Where evidence is "more probable than not"
39
Who bears the burden for proving insanity?
The defence on the balance of probabilities
40
Is evidence relating to a collateral issue admissible?
No, but there is one exception
41
What is the one exception to the collateral issue inadmissibility rule?
It will be admissible as evidence showing bias
42
What are the prosecution's and defence's burdens on proving self-defence?
The Defence have the evidential burden to raise the issue of self-defence The prosecution then have the legal burden of disproving self-defence beyond reasonable doubt
43
How much weight can be put on relevant, circumstantial evidence (eg, clothing, money)?
It is evidence of relevant facts Therefore it can carry significant weight
44
What is an option for the Defence if they don't agree with a prosecution witness statement
They can serve notice on the Prosecution objecting to the statement being read- must be within 7 days of service of the statement
45
What evidence can s78 PACE be used to exclude?
Only evidence that the Prosecution intend to rely on
46
When the legal burden is on the Defendant, how do they discharge it?
Proving on the balance of probabilities
47
What is real evidence used for?
To show its existence If it has words contained in it, these are disregarded, eg, facts in a letter won't be classed as real evidence
48
If there is a dispute between the prosecution and defence's versions of events, what two options does the Judge have?
Either accept the Defence's version of events OR Hold a Newton hearing and make a finding of fact
49
What are the two bases for an abuse of process application?
(1) where the defendant cannot have a fair trial or (2) because to continue a prosecution would be contrary to the court's sense of justice and propriety
50
What burden is on an accused claiming duress?
The accused only bears the evidential burden of proving duress
51
Who must prove defence on insanity and on what burden?
The defence must prove defence of insanity On the balance of probabilities
52
Who must prove self-defence and on what burden?
The defence bear the evidential burden It is then for the prosecution to disprove it beyond reasonable doubt