DLH Law Relating to Witnesses by C D Field 5th Edition

Law Relating to Witnesses by C D Field 5th Edition

Law Relating to Witnesses by C D Field 5th Edition

Description

A “Witness” refers to an individual who possesses knowledge about a particular matter. In legal terms, a witness is someone who provides testimonial evidence—either voluntarily or under legal obligation—through oral or written statements regarding what they know or claim to know.

Witnesses play a crucial role in helping the court reach accurate conclusions on disputed facts and determining the truth. They serve as the foundation of the decision-making process. When conflicting versions of an event arise in a dispute, witnesses become essential in establishing the facts, thereby aiding the pursuit of justice. This principle holds even greater significance in criminal cases, where verdicts often rely heavily on witness testimonies, especially those of eyewitnesses who directly observed the incident or crime. This is why Bentham, over 150 years ago, described witnesses as “the eyes and ears of justice.”

Whittaker Chambers once defined a witness as “a man whose life and faith are so completely one that when the challenge comes to step out and testify for his faith, he does so, disregarding all risks, accepting all consequences.”

Furthermore, the book emphasizes the undeniable importance of witnesses in criminal proceedings, as their testimonies and cooperation are vital at every stage of the legal process. In cases where the prosecution must establish guilt beyond doubt, witness testimonies—subjected to thorough cross-examination—can be decisive in understanding the circumstances surrounding a crime.

The book, Law Relating to Witnesses, is widely regarded as an authoritative work on the subject. Now in its fifth edition, it has been extensively revised to incorporate recent legal amendments and judicial decisions. The authors have meticulously analyzed case law, ensuring relevant updates are placed appropriately within the text.

This book aims to serve the needs of the legal community, prosecution agencies, and all those involved in this area of law. It is structured into three parts: Part I provides an overview of witnesses, Part II focuses on their examination, and Part III addresses issues related to the improper admission or rejection of evidence.

Contents of Law Relating To Witnesses With Examination Of Witnesses, 5th Ed:

OF WITNESSES

1. Competency of a Person to Testify as a Witness
2. Dumb Witnesses
3. Parties To Civil Suit and Their Wives or Husbands
4. Judges and Magistrates
5. Communications During Marriage
6. Evidence as to Affairs of State
7. Official Communications
8. Information as to Commission of Offences
9. Professional Communications
10. Section 126 To Apply To Interpreters, Etc.
11.  Waiving of Professional Privilege
12. Confidential Communications with Legal Advisers
13. Production of Title-Deeds of Witness Not A Party
14. Production of Documents or Electronic Records
15. Doctrine of Self Incrimination
16. Accomplice
17. Number of Witnesses