What is the rule in Browne v Dunn?
A cross-examiner must put to a witness any specific aspects of their case that contradict the witness’s testimony
If a party intends to lead evidence inconsistent with a witness’s statement, the witness must be given the opportunity to explain or comment on it.
What is the primary rationale for the rule in Browne v Dunn?
It allows witnesses to defend themselves against attacks on their credibility.
What are the exceptions to the rule in Browne v Dunn?
These exceptions allow for flexibility in cross-examination under certain circumstances.
What are the consequences of not complying with Browne v Dunn?
Non-compliance can lead to significant impacts on the trial’s fairness.
When can documents be used to refresh memory?
Documents must meet specific conditions related to timing and accuracy to be used effectively.
Under Section 32 of the Evidence Act (Cth), what is prohibited regarding documents?
A witness cannot use a document to revive their memory about a fact or opinion while testifying unless the court gives leave
The court considers necessity and contemporaneity when deciding on this matter.
What is the rule against hearsay?
Evidence of a previous representation made by a person is not admissible to prove the existence of a fact
This rule is outlined in Evidence Act (Cth) Section 59.
What is the primary rationale of the rule against hearsay?
The maker of the original statement was not subject to cross-examination
This absence diminishes the value of the statement as it cannot be tested for reliability.
What are the primary exceptions to the rule against hearsay?
These exceptions allow certain statements to be admissible under specific conditions.
What are the requirements for expert evidence in Queensland?
Experts must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure their evidence is reliable and impartial.
What are the primary classifications of evidence?
These classifications help in understanding the types of evidence presented in court.
What are the requirements of expert evidence in the Federal Court?
These requirements ensure that expert evidence is credible and follows court guidelines.
When can a co-accused’s out of court statement be admissible for its truth?
Specific circumstances allow for the admission of such statements against co-defendants.
What is judicial notice?
A rule of evidence allowing a court to accept certain facts as true without formal proof
It serves as a rule of convenience to streamline proceedings by acknowledging indisputable or easily verified facts.
According to the Evidence Act 1995 (Cth), judicial notice applies to which primary categories?
These categories help courts recognize facts without requiring formal evidence.
What are adjudicative facts?
Facts relating to the specific parties and the particular dispute being litigated
They differ from legislative facts, which assist in determining law or policy.
What is the standard of proof in criminal proceedings?
Beyond reasonable doubt
This standard is codified in Section 141 of the Evidence Act 1995 (Cth).
What is the legal burden of proof?
The obligation of a party to prove a fact in issue
It determines who is responsible for establishing a fact.
What is circumstantial evidence?
Any fact from which a judge or jury may infer the existence of a fact in issue
It requires an additional logical step to reach a conclusion, unlike direct testimony.
What is the best evidence rule?
The common law original document rule has been abolished in the Evidence Act.
What is opinion evidence?
Evidence of a witness’s belief, inference, or conclusion regarding a fact
Generally not admissible to prove the existence of the fact, with some exceptions.
What is a subpoena?
A formal written order issued by a court compelling a person to assist in a legal proceeding
Subpoenas can require attendance to give evidence or to produce documents.
When can a court exclude relevant evidence?
If its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of being unfairly prejudicial, misleading, or causing undue waste of time
This is outlined in Section 135 of the Evidence Act 1995 (Cth).
What is an affidavit?
Written evidence of an individual made under oath or affirmation
It serves as a formal declaration of facts.