NCJ Number
183662
Date Published
1999
Length
539 pages
Annotation
This book provides the criminal lawyer with information on various sources of and procedures for presenting evidence in British courts.
Abstract
The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with evidence, and the second part addresses procedure. Both parts present the texts of the most significant pertinent British statutory provisions on evidence and criminal procedure, along with commentary. This second edition contains new chapters on disclosure (covering the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996), committal for trial, and the European context for criminal evidence law and procedure. The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 is examined, and the core portions of the statute are provided. Also explained are the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, the provisions on surveillance in the Police Act 1997, the procedural aspects of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, and the developments derived from the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. Other chapters address evidence from witnesses and the following special categories of witnesses: children, vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, and the spouse of the accused. Chapters cover the accused as a witness, the accused's character as evidence of guilt or innocence, and the accused's reaction in the face of the accusation. Also addressed are identification evidence, the hearsay rule and exceptions, confessions, illegally or improperly obtained evidence other than confessions, opinion evidence, and privilege and public interest immunity. Other topics discussed are bail procedure, trial mode, disclosure, committal for trial, summary trial, juveniles, appeals from the magistrates' court, indictments, pleas, Crown Court trial, appeals from the Crown court, sentencing, and legal aid and costs. The book is intended for students, including prospective solicitors, barristers, and legal executives, as well as for practitioners who desire an up-to-date exposition of the most important principles of evidence and procedure, along with their statutory and common law basis. Appended statutes and a subject index