This course has been specifically created for those lawyers who do their trials in the Magistrates' Court. Not a bad idea in these difficult times for criminal legal aid lawyers. You may have already done a few or you may be experienced in this area. Whatever your level there is always something new to learn.
This webinar will give you some tips on trial advocacy and update you in important areas of evidence. The following topics will be considered:
1 – The relevance and admissibility of evidence – the different methods by which evidence may be admitted during a criminal trial
2 – DNA evidence and the very interesting 2022 Court of Appeal decision of Regina v Belhaj-Farhat [2022] EWCA Crim 115
3 – Bad Character evidence, including an examination of reprehensible behaviour following the decision in AAM and Regina [2021] EWCA Crim 1720
4 – A useful list of things to consider saying in your closing speech
5 – The half-time submission of no case to answer and the legal test contained in Rule 24 of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 (as amended)
6 – Getting the client to refresh his memory from his proof of evidence, whilst testifying – see Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003
7– The circumstances in which you may apply for a statement to be read under Section 114 (1) (d) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003
8 – Burdens and standards of proof in a criminal trial
9 – Options available to you when the client does not attend on the day of trial
10 – Hearsay evidence in circumstances where the Crown are applying for a statement to be read at trial
11 – Text messages and the Court of Appeal decision in R v Bedward [2021] EWCA Crim 721
12 – Body cam footage and the 999 call to the police station