Understanding Evidence Rules in UK Criminal Cases
The admissibility of evidence in criminal proceedings UK is governed by strict rules to ensure fair trials. Key points include:
Relevance and Admissibility
Evidence must be both relevant and admissible to be used in court. This is based on Section 28 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Definition: Relevant facts are those needed to prove or disprove the facts in issue, which are the principal matters in dispute in a case.
The reliability of evidence is crucial, encompassing:
- Credibility of witnesses
- Authenticity of documents
- Accuracy of information
Example: Sir Roy Meadow's evidence on cot deaths was later found to be inaccurate and unreliable, highlighting the importance of accuracy in expert testimony.
Admissibility Criteria
Not all evidence is allowed in court. Judges may exclude:
- Illegally or improperly obtained evidence
- Evidence that risks an unfair trial
Highlight: The court balances the probative value of evidence against its potential prejudicial effect when deciding admissibility.
Right to Silence
While suspects have the right to remain silent, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows juries to draw inferences from silence in certain circumstances.
Quote: "The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 means the jury can make inferences about the defendant's guilt if they're silent."
Bad Character Evidence
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 defines bad character as "evidence of or disposition towards misconduct." This can include previous convictions or cautions.
Vocabulary: Character evidence refers to information about a person's past behavior or reputation used to assess their credibility or likelihood of committing a crime.