- Y Diweddaraf sydd Ar Gael (Diwygiedig)
- Pwynt Penodol mewn Amser (08/06/2022)
- Gwreiddiol (Fel y'i Deddfwyd)
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999
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- Deddfau Cyhoeddus Cyffredinol y Deyrnas Unedig
- 1999 c. 23
- Part II
- Chapter V
- Competence of witnesses
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- Dangos Graddfa Ddaearyddol(e.e. Lloegr, Cymru, Yr Alban aca Gogledd Iwerddon)
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Rhagor o Adnoddau
Changes over time for: Cross Heading: Competence of witnesses
Alternative versions:
- 06/12/2006- Amendment
- 31/10/2009- Amendment
- 08/06/2022
Point in time
Status:
Point in time view as at 08/06/2022.
Changes to legislation:
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, Cross Heading: Competence of witnesses is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 20 September 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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Competence of witnessesE+W
53 Competence of witnesses to give evidence.E+W
(1)At every stage in criminal proceedings all persons are (whatever their age) competent to give evidence.
(2)Subsection (1) has effect subject to subsections (3) and (4).
(3)A person is not competent to give evidence in criminal proceedings if it appears to the court that he is not a person who is able to—
(a)understand questions put to him as a witness, and
(b)give answers to them which can be understood.
(4)A person charged in criminal proceedings is not competent to give evidence in the proceedings for the prosecution (whether he is the only person, or is one of two or more persons, charged in the proceedings).
(5)In subsection (4) the reference to a person charged in criminal proceedings does not include a person who is not, or is no longer, liable to be convicted of any offence in the proceedings (whether as a result of pleading guilty or for any other reason).
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 53 applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 9, 10
54 Determining competence of witnesses.E+W
(1)Any question whether a witness in criminal proceedings is competent to give evidence in the proceedings, whether raised—
(a)by a party to the proceedings, or
(b)by the court of its own motion,
shall be determined by the court in accordance with this section.
(2)It is for the party calling the witness to satisfy the court that, on a balance of probabilities, the witness is competent to give evidence in the proceedings.
(3)In determining the question mentioned in subsection (1) the court shall treat the witness as having the benefit of any directions under section 19 which the court has given, or proposes to give, in relation to the witness.
(4)Any proceedings held for the determination of the question shall take place in the absence of the jury (if there is one).
(5)Expert evidence may be received on the question.
(6)Any questioning of the witness (where the court considers that necessary) shall be conducted by the court in the presence of the parties.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2S. 54(1)-(3) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 9, 10
C3S. 54(4) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 9, 10
C4S. 54(5) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 9, 10
C5S. 54(6) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 9, 10
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