Victorian Current Acts

[Index] [Table] [Search] [Search this Act] [Notes] [Noteup] [Previous] [Next] [Download] [Help]

EVIDENCE ACT 2008 - SECT 164

Corroboration requirements abolished

    (1)     It is not necessary that evidence on which a party relies be corroborated.

    (2)     Subsection (1) does not affect the operation of a rule of law that requires corroboration with respect to the offence of perjury or a similar or related offence.

S. 164(3) amended by No. 14/2015 s. 74(1).

    (3)     Despite any rule, whether of law or practice, to the contrary, but subject to the other provisions of this Act, if there is a jury in a civil proceeding, it is not necessary that the judge—

        (a)     warn the jury that it is dangerous to act on uncorroborated evidence or give a warning to the same or similar effect; or

        (b)     give a direction relating to the absence of corroboration.

S. 164(4) inserted by No. 14/2015 s. 74(2).

    (4)     Subject to subsection (5), if there is a jury in a criminal proceeding, the judge must not—

        (a)     warn the jury that it is dangerous to act on uncorroborated evidence or give a warning to the same or similar effect; or

        (b)     direct the jury regarding the absence of corroboration.

S. 164(5) inserted by No. 14/2015 s. 74(2).

    (5)     In a criminal proceeding for the offence of perjury or a similar or related offence, the judge must direct the jury that it may find the accused guilty only if it is satisfied that the evidence proving guilt is corroborated.

S. 164(6) inserted by No. 14/2015 s. 74(2).

    (6)     The principles and rules of the common law that relate to jury directions or warnings on corroboration of evidence, or the absence of corroboration of evidence, in criminal trials to the contrary of this section are abolished.

Note to s. 164 inserted by No. 14/2015 s. 74(2).

Note

Subsections (4), (5) and (6) do not appear in the Commonwealth Act and New South Wales Act.

Part 4.5—Warnings and information



AustLII: Copyright Policy | Disclaimers | Privacy Policy | Feedback