Trial Preparation Flashcards
when is this relevant?
- Only relevant where D pleads NG
what is set out in CrimPR?
- CrimPR sets out a set of standard case management directions (CMD)
what are the trial preparation steps in the MC?
- Case Management Hearing
- Securing Attendance of W
- Expert Evidence
- S9 Witness Statements
- Documentary Evidence
- Defence Witness Obligations
- Unused material
re: Magistrates’ Court
what is a case management hearing? what happens at it?
- hearing where directions are given
o This is usually at the plea hearing but may be at a subsequent hearing - Standard directions allow 8 weeks to prepare for trial (14 if expert evidence)
- Directions recorded in Magistrates’ Court Trial Preparation Form
re: Magistrates’ Court
how is the attendance of Ws secured?
- Solicitor will write to W, if they are reluctant/won’t attend the solicitor should apply for a summons
- The court will issue a summons if W can give material evidence in the proceedings and it is in the interests of justice for a summons to be issued
- Solicitor must check any expert’s availability. Expert can be summoned if necessary.
re: Magistrates’ Court
when is expert evidence allowed?
- Allowed for technical matters outside the competence of the court
re: Magistrates’ Court
when should expert evidence be obtained and filed and served?
- Should be obtained asap (but will need LAA approval if funded by RO)
- Evidence must be served before the trial
re: Magistrates’ Court
when is a s9 statement used?
give an example
- Used in place of W giving oral evidence where evidence is not disputed
- i.e. treating Dr provides statement of V’s injuries. D accepts V’s injuries but claims self-defence.
re: Magistrates’ Court
what are the s9 statement requirements?
o It is signed and dated;
o Includes declaration “This statement (consisting of [1] page signed by me) is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I make it knowing that if it is tendered in evidence I shall be liable to prosecution if I have wilfully stated in it anything which I know to be false or do not believe to be true.”
o It is served on all parties before the hearing; and
o None of the parties object within 7 days
* Can only include evidence which would’ve been admissible in oral evidence
re: Magistrates’ Court
what are the requirements for documentary evidence?
- Must be verified by a w/s of the person who prepared/took them
re: Crown Court
explain the position regarding directions
- MC issues standard directions at the 1st hearing (unless there will be a preliminary hearing)
re: Crown Court
when will there be a preliminary hearing?
Will only take place for an indictable-only offence where:
o There are case management issues the CC need to resolve;
o The trial is likely to exceed 4 weeks;
o It is desirable to set an early trial date;
o D is under the age of 18; or
o There is likely to be a guilty plea and D could be sentenced at the PH
* Judge will issue directions at the PH
re: Crown Court
when must any PH take place?
- Must take place within 10 business days of the date the MC sent the case
NB: must
re: Crown Court
when should a plea and trial preparation hearing take place?
- Should take place within 20 business days of the date the MC sent the case
NB: should
re: Crown Court
what is the first stage at the PTPH?
- D is arraigned at PTPH (i.e. told of counts and asked for their plea)
re: Crown Court - PTPH
what happens if more evidence has come to light and there is no longer a reasonable prospect of conviction?
P will offer no evidence
Judge will order NG verdict and D will be formally discharged.
re: Crown Court - PTPH
when might P offer no evidence?
If more evidence has come to light and there is no longer a reasonable prospect of conviction
or
where they have agreed to drop some counts if D pleads G to others
re: Crown Court - PTPH
what happens if P pleads G to some counts and not others?
- If D pleads G to some counts and not others, the jury will not be told about ones D pleaded G to
re: Crown Court - PTPH
what is a Goodyear indication?
- D can ask for a ‘Goodyear indication’ (i.e. an indication of sentence if they were to plea G at this stage). This is binding.
re: Crown Court - PTPH
why might P drop some counts?
If D agrees to plead G to others
re: Crown Court - PTPH
if P agrees to drop some counts, what will they do?
either:
1. P gives no evidence on the dropped count(s).
Judge will order NG verdict for the dropped charges.
- P will ask the lesser count(s) to ‘lie on the court file’. Common where there are several counts with strong evidence. A NG plea would not be entered.
P can re-open the case with leave of the court.
re: Crown Court - PTPH
what happens if D pleads NG?
CMD & trial date fixed or placed on warned list.
o D will either be released on bail or remanded in custody
re: Crown Court - PTPH
what happens if D pleads G?
- either sentenced immediately or adj. (i.e. report or Newton Hearing)
o If adj. D will be released on bail or remanded in custody