Use of Evidence, Including Witnesses

Evidence is a crucial component of a criminal trial.
It can be physical evidence, electronic evidence, circumstantial evidence, and witnesses
A key function of the judge is to decide on the relevance of evidence
The judge will refer to the Evidence Act 1995 (NSW), which outlines the way evidence must be obtained in order to be used in court.
Witnesses must be ‘sworn in’ to testify in a courtroom
Witnesses can be called to give statements to the police, or verbal evidence attesting to what they head, saw or experience.
Witnesses will be examined and cross-examined on any statement.
When a trial is prolonged, a witnesses’ recollection of events can be an issue, as evidence may be lost