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Evidence Act 2011
108BFurther protections—previous representations of an
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108B Further protections—previous representations of an
accused who is not a witness
(1) This section applies only in a criminal proceeding and applies in
addition to section 108A.
(2) If the person mentioned in section 108A is a defendant, the credibility
evidence is not admissible unless the court gives leave.
People with specialised knowledge Division 3.7.4
(3) Despite subsection (2), leave is not required if the evidence is about
whether the defendant—
(a) is biased or has a motive to be untruthful; or
(b) is, or was, unable to be aware of or recall matters to which the
defendant’s previous representation relates; or
(c) has made a prior inconsistent statement.
(4) The prosecution must not be given leave under subsection (2) unless
evidence presented by the defendant has been admitted that—
(a) tends to prove that a witness called by the prosecution has a
tendency to be untruthful; and
(b) is relevant solely or mainly to the witness’s credibility.
(5) A reference in subsection (4) to evidence does not include a reference
to evidence of conduct in relation to—
(a) the events in relation to which the defendant is being prosecuted;
or
(b) the investigation of the offence for which the defendant is being
prosecuted.
(6) Another defendant must not be given leave under subsection (2)
unless the previous representation of the defendant that has been
admitted includes evidence adverse to the defendant seeking leave.