Witness familiarisation : memorandum
Pender, Nikki
Witness familiarisation : memorandum Memorandum from Nikki Pender, Barrister to Chief Victims Advisor - Chief Victims Advisor to Government, Ministry of Justice, 2021 - electronic document (15 pages) : PDF file: 300 KB
Memorandum from Nikki Pender, Barrister to Chief Victims Advisor, September 2021
This paper considers academic studies and case law as to the ethical bounds of witness preparation. It uses the term ‘witness familiarisation’ to mean permissible training that is
designed to demystify the trial process, improve the witness’ ability to communicate oral evidence and enhance their overall experience; this can be contrasted to ‘coaching’ which
can (or can appear to) influence the content of a witness’ evidence through preparation and
rehearsal.
The paper also outlines a proposed structure of a witness familiarisation programme that is independent of police and prosecutors. It posits the possibility of a pilot programme and
suggests a methodology for analysing the results of such a trial. (From the document). Record #7398
New Zealand. Office of the Chief Victims Advisor
ADOLESCENTS
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
COURTS
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
EVIDENCE
RAPE
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
YOUNG PEOPLE
NEW ZEALAND
Witness familiarisation : memorandum Memorandum from Nikki Pender, Barrister to Chief Victims Advisor - Chief Victims Advisor to Government, Ministry of Justice, 2021 - electronic document (15 pages) : PDF file: 300 KB
Memorandum from Nikki Pender, Barrister to Chief Victims Advisor, September 2021
This paper considers academic studies and case law as to the ethical bounds of witness preparation. It uses the term ‘witness familiarisation’ to mean permissible training that is
designed to demystify the trial process, improve the witness’ ability to communicate oral evidence and enhance their overall experience; this can be contrasted to ‘coaching’ which
can (or can appear to) influence the content of a witness’ evidence through preparation and
rehearsal.
The paper also outlines a proposed structure of a witness familiarisation programme that is independent of police and prosecutors. It posits the possibility of a pilot programme and
suggests a methodology for analysing the results of such a trial. (From the document). Record #7398
New Zealand. Office of the Chief Victims Advisor
ADOLESCENTS
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
COURTS
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
EVIDENCE
RAPE
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
YOUNG PEOPLE
NEW ZEALAND