Victorian Current Acts

JURY DIRECTIONS ACT 2015 - SECT 44H

The trial judge, the prosecution and defence counsel (or, if the accused is unrepresented, the accused) must not say, or suggest in any way, to the jury that—

        (a)     an interest in the outcome of the trial is a factor to take into account in assessing the evidence of witnesses generally; or

        (b)     the evidence of an accused is less credible, or requires more careful scrutiny, because any person who is on trial has an interest in the outcome of that trial.

Notes

1     Section 7 provides for correction of statements or suggestions to the contrary of this provision.

2     The trial judge, the prosecution and defence counsel (or, if the accused is unrepresented, the accused) may say or suggest that a witness, or an accused, has a particular interest in the outcome of the trial and this interest does or may affect the credibility of the witness or the accused.

S. 44I inserted by No. 37/2017 s. 5.