96Victim impact statements—cross-examination in principal

96 Victim impact statements—cross-examination in principal proceeding (1) The court must not allow the defence to cross-examine the maker of a victim impact statement about the contents of the statement before a finding of guilt has been made in the principal proceeding, unless the court is satisfied that the statement has substantial probative value to justify allowing the cross-examination. (2) The court must not allow the defence to cross-examine the maker about the contents of the statement after a finding of guilt has been made in the principal proceeding unless— (a) a lawyer representing the offender applies for leave to conduct the cross-examination, or if the offender is not legally represented the offender indicates to the court the nature of the proposed cross-examination; and (b) the court is satisfied that the cross-examination would materially affect the likely sentence to be imposed on an offender; and (c) the court gives the defence leave to cross-examine the maker. Victim impact statements Chapter 6A defence means— (a) any lawyer representing a defendant or offender; or (b) if the defendant or offender is not legally represented—the defendant or offender.