Right for Family Members to Object to Giving Evidence for the Prosecution
Evidence Bill 2025
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Spouses, parents and children of an accused person can object to giving evidence for the prosecution.
The court must ensure these witnesses know they have this right to object.
Prosecutors cannot comment on a witness's decision to object or the court's ruling on it.
In sexual offence cases, the accused must ask questions through a judge or approved person.
Courts cannot use a person's silence to draw an unfavourable conclusion in criminal proceedings.
Courts must ban evidence of admissions if they were obtained through violent or degrading conduct.
Interpreters must take an oath or make an affirmation before working in a proceeding.
The Evidence Act 1906 is repealed.
Topics
court evidence criminal proceedings fair trial legal protections sexual offence cases witness rights