16. Witness Evidence

This chapter explains the law, procedure, and the practical issues associated with witness evidence. It considers the circumstances in which a witness can refresh his memory from an earlier written statement; the test to decide a witness’ competence to give evidence; the compellability of a witness; the assistance available to ‘vulnerable’ or ‘intimidated’ witnesses to give evidence under a special measures direction; a witness taking the oath or affirming; the rules associated with examination-in-chief; and the rules associated with cross-examination and re-examination.