Course Overview
The police increasingly rely on ABE evidence. But the weight and admissibility of such interviews is often dubious. Such interviews tend to be of poor quality, leading and often prejudicial to the accused. The witness may not be competent.
Aimed at advocates cross-examining witnesses who give pre-recorded evidence, the course will benefit prosecutors looking to assess the admissibility of such testimony and will ensure viewers are equipped to deal with these interviews.
Topics
- Identify the procedural requirements for admission of pre-recorded interviews
- Case management
- The need for a transcript
- Editing
- Lies or truth?
- What does “ABE” mean?
- The Home Office guidelines on ABE interviews
- Common failings in ABE interviews
- Applying to exclude parts or the whole of the interview under s78 PACE
- Useful case law
- What if the interview is excluded- the prosecution position?
- What if the interview is excluded- the defence position?
- Memory-refreshing and ABE’s
- Attacking weight not admissibility
What are the requirements?
- This course provides 0.5 – 1 CPD point (depending on length of time spent considering the discussion questions and completing the evaluation form)
- Watch 20 minute recorded webinar, including reference notes, discussion questions and optional evaluation form to test your legal knowledge
Learning Outcomes
- On completion of this course you will: Be able to identify when a party is entitled to rely on an ABE interview and when Be able to identify weaknesses in such interviews, how and when to seek to exclude such interviews Know how to take stock of your case after an application to exclude has been ruled upon
What is the target audience?