Topic 9- Preliminary Issues Relating to Witnesses Flashcards

1
Q

How is a witness determined to be competent?

A

If the witness may lawfully be called to testify

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2
Q

How is a witness determined to be compellable?

A

If, being competent, the witness may lawfully be compelled by the court to testify

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3
Q

What is the general rule as to competence with witnesses?

A

All persons, whatever their age, are competent to give evidence

However, it all depends on if they are compellable witnesses

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4
Q

What are the two exceptions for the general rule of competence?

A

If they do not understand questions to put to him, or to give answers which can be understood (eg, children or disabled)

An accused is not competent to give evidence for the prosecution

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5
Q

What is the general rule for compellability of witnesses

A

All competent witnesses are compellable

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6
Q

What are the four exceptions for the general rule of compellability?

A

The accused is not a compellable witness for the defence

An accused’s spouse is not compellable (there are exceptions)

Heads of State and Diplomats

Bankers

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7
Q

Can an accused give evidence for the prosecution?

A

They cannot as they are not a competent witness

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8
Q

When may a co-accused give evidence for the prosecution?

A

If they cease to be a co-accused

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9
Q

Is an accused a compellable witness for the defence?

A

No, they can only be called as a witness if the accused makes an application

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10
Q

Can the spouse of the accused give evidence?

A

They are not a compellable witness

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11
Q

What are the exceptions as to the compellability of an accused’s spouse?

A

If it involves an assault or threat of injury to the spouse, or a person who was under 16

If it involves a sexual offence to a person who was under 16

If it involves the conspiring to commit, or aiding, etc, for the above crimes

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12
Q

Can a spouse of an accused give evidence FOR THE ACCUSED

A

They are competent and shall be compellable, unless also charged in proceedings

Obviously they are not compellable to give evidence in other circumstances

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13
Q

What is the test for determining competence of a witness (eg, a child)?

A

If they can speak and understand basic English with strangers

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14
Q

Can a person who has no recollection of an event be a competent witness?

A

Yes they can

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15
Q

What are the requirements for a witness to be sworn in?

A

They must be over 14
and
have sufficient appreciation of the solemnity of the occasion and of the responsibility to tell the truth

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16
Q

What must a witness do before giving evidence?

A

They must take an oath

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17
Q

What can be used to secure the attendance of witnesses in court?

A

Issuing a summons or warrant

18
Q

What are the circumstances for a witness summons be issued?

A

If the person is likely to be able to give material evidence

If it is in the interests of justice to issue a summons to secure the attendance

19
Q

If a magistrate is satisfied that a summons would not procure a witness, what can they do?

A

They may issue an arrest warrant for their attendance

20
Q

What happens if a witness fails to attend court via a witness summons?

A

The court can issue an arrest warrant, however they must be satisfied that:

The witness is able to give the evidence
The witness has been duly served with the summons
There was no just excuse for failing to attend

21
Q

What are the requirements for the court to issue an arrest warrant if a witness does not attend court?

A

The witness is able to give the evidence

The witness has been duly served with the summons and been given costs and expenses

There was no just excuse for failing to attend

22
Q

How is a witness summons served?

A

By handing it to the individual

By leaving it or sending it via 1st class post to their address

23
Q

Whose responsibility is it to secure the attendance of a prosecution witness?

A

The police and the defence solicitor

24
Q

When will a witness summons be ordered?

A

If a witness may not attend voluntarily

25
What is the punishment for a witness who disobeys a witness summons without excuse?
They will be guilty of contempt of court Max penalty is 3 months imprisonment
26
If the main prosecution witness is afraid to come to court due to intimidation, what should done?
An application for a witness summons should be made This is because it is in the interests of justice due to them being the main pros witness
27
If the main prosecution witness has learning difficulties, can they be considered a compellable witness?
Yes, if it is in the interests of justice that they give evidence They will be competent and compellable
28
When will special measures be given to a witness who has a learning disability?
If the learning disability is likely to diminish the quality of his evidence
29
If an accused cannot come to trial due to illness, what must the Court do?
Must adjourn the trial for a short period to allow further information to be obtained regarding the accused's condition
30
If a witness is refusing to come to court and has been told of the consequences, what must be done?
Apply for an arrest warrant to bring them before the Court An arrest warrant is only necessary where it is satisfied that the witness won't come to court, even with a summons
31
What is the best explanation related to the competence and compelability of spouses?
Spouses are compellable for the prosecution where the accused is charged with a specified offence
32
Who has the burden of proving the competency of a witness?
On the other party to the one who raised the issue to prove that they are competent Eg, if the defence raised the competency issue, the prosecution must disprove it
33
If a witness is fearful to testify, what direction are they eligible for?
They will eligible for a special measures direction, if his fear is likely to diminish the quality of his evidence
34
What age are witnesses automatically eligible for special measures?
All under 18s
35
Are fiancés compellable witnesses against their partners?
Yes
36
Can witnesses be cross-examined on collateral issues that do not relate to the case?
No Unless, there is a possibility that the collateral issue is making the witness biased This is the rule of finality
37
What is the rule of finality?
This is an exception to the rule that collateral issues cannot be examined It gives that where a collateral issue may demonstrate bias, they are admissible
38
Which party has the burden of proof in proving a witness is competent?
The burden is on the party calling the witness NOT the party who raised the issue
39
Under the special measures directions, can the Defendant be excluded from the court?
No
40
What is the age limit for a witness to give sworn evidence?
Over 14 All under 14s must give unsworn evidence