Victorian Current Acts

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

JURY DIRECTIONS ACT 2015 - SECT 54

Abolition of common law rules

Any rule of common law under which a trial judge is required to direct the jury that—

        (a)     a complainant's delay in making a complaint or lack of complaint may cast doubt on the reliability of the complainant's evidence; and

        (b)     the jury should take this into account when evaluating the credibility of the allegations made by the complainant—

is abolished.

Notes

1     This provision abolishes the rules attributed to
Kilby v R [1973] HCA 30; (1973) 129 CLR 460 and  Crofts v R [1996] HCA 22; (1996) 186 CLR 427.

2     Section 4 applies generally to override any rule of law or practice to the contrary of this Act.

Pt 5 Div. 3 (Heading and ss 54A54D) inserted by No. 37/2017 s. 7.

Division 3—Differences in complainant's account

S. 54A inserted by No. 37/2017 s. 7.



AustLII: Copyright Policy | Disclaimers | Privacy Policy | Feedback