SlideShare a Scribd company logo
DEFINITION
Weighing evidence is
the process of
assessing the reliability
and the probative
value of evidence
already determined to
be relevant.
EVIDENCE
Evidence determines which facts
are proved or disproved.
Not all evidence equally helps in
making findings, therefore
evidence must be weighed.
More trustworthy and probative
evidence given more weight in
coming to a decision on the
matters in issue.
To determine weight involves the
application of common sense.
WEIGHING EVIDENCE
Evidence should
be weighed in
light of all of the
evidence in the
case and the
issues to be
decided, i.e. in its
totality.
Evidence may be
given full weight,
partial weight,
more or less
weight than other
evidence, or no
weight at all.
Evidence is
weighed against
other evidence to
determine which
evidence is more
reliable.
Ultimately, the
weight will
determine if the
burden of proof is
met for each
element of the
offence.
STEPS IN
WEIGHING
EVIDENCE
Identify the determinative issues.
Sort the evidence by its relevance to
those issues.
Weigh the evidence for its probative
value and reliability.
Give reasons for ascribing more or less
weight to particular evidence.
Make clear findings of fact.
Apply the appropriate legal tests to the
evidence found to be probative and
reliable.
NB: Some factors considered in weighing
reliability of evidence, will also be used to
determine the credibility of the evidence.
1
FACTORS
TO
CONSIDER
IN
WEIGHING
EVIDENCE
Credibility - determined
by demeanour (conduct,
appearance, etc.)
Circumstantial evidence -
indirect proof which has
no direct link with the
facts in dispute but the
cumulative effect of such
evidence may serve as
proof and will determine
the weight. Not the only
reasonable inference, but
the most probable
inference to be made.
2
FACTORS
TO
CONSIDER
IN
WEIGHING
EVIDENCE
Failure to cross-examine
witness – a party does
not dispute the version of
the witness.
Failure of a party to
testify - Presiding
Officers will have only the
unchallenged “prima
facie” evidence of the
other party.
Failure to call available
witnesses - reasons why
witnesses are not called
should be examined, e.g.
are they hostile, biased or
unreliable.
ADDITIONAL
FACTORS IN
WEIGHING
EVIDENCE
The person making the
statement and the
circumstances in making of
statements.
Number of times the info is
passed on before being made
known to the witness.
Consistency of the statement in
terms other reliable evidence.
Witness' opportunity to observe
the events on which he testifies.
Circumstances surrounding the
event.
Is better evidence available and
why it is not produced?
ADDITIONAL
FACTORS IN
WEIGHING
EVIDENCE
Is the witness drawing
reasonable inferences or is
simply speculating?
Is the evidence consistent
with reliable documentary or
other evidence?
Circumstances under which a
document was created.
Opportunity to cross-examine
the author of a document
Is the witness is disinterested
in the result or biased?
Witness' qualifications and
knowledge of the subject on
which he testifies.
Knowledge and expertise of
author of a document.

More Related Content

Similar to Weighing Evidence.pdf

Medical Evidence
Medical EvidenceMedical Evidence
Medical Evidence
Anjz Mariano
 
The Sentencing Hearing
The Sentencing HearingThe Sentencing Hearing
The Sentencing Hearing
Upwork
 
LLB LAW NOTES ON LAW OF EVIDENCE
LLB LAW NOTES ON LAW OF EVIDENCELLB LAW NOTES ON LAW OF EVIDENCE
LLB LAW NOTES ON LAW OF EVIDENCE
Kanoon Ke Rakhwale India
 
What does affidavit mean.pdf
What does affidavit mean.pdfWhat does affidavit mean.pdf
What does affidavit mean.pdf
nayanaNMH
 
Examination in chief - By Shivaranjani
Examination in chief  - By ShivaranjaniExamination in chief  - By Shivaranjani
Examination in chief - By Shivaranjani
Schin Dler
 
Evidence 2
Evidence 2Evidence 2
Evidence 2
Stephen Young
 
Evidence In The Criminal Courts
Evidence In The Criminal CourtsEvidence In The Criminal Courts
Evidence In The Criminal Courts
Stephen Young
 
Evidence In The Criminal Courts
Evidence In The Criminal CourtsEvidence In The Criminal Courts
Evidence In The Criminal Courts
Stephen Young
 
3 -2 t4-chapter_three_powerpoint_w_teays
3 -2 t4-chapter_three_powerpoint_w_teays3 -2 t4-chapter_three_powerpoint_w_teays
3 -2 t4-chapter_three_powerpoint_w_teays
sagebennet
 
Rules of Evidence Lectures for Reviewees
Rules of Evidence Lectures for RevieweesRules of Evidence Lectures for Reviewees
Rules of Evidence Lectures for Reviewees
ErwinSabornido1
 
Useful article on evidence act
Useful article on evidence actUseful article on evidence act
Useful article on evidence act
Arjun Randhir
 
Evidence
EvidenceEvidence
Evidence
BlancoScience
 
Https _ecf.okwd.uscourts.gov_cgi-bin_show_temp.pl_file=1708178-0--893
Https  _ecf.okwd.uscourts.gov_cgi-bin_show_temp.pl_file=1708178-0--893Https  _ecf.okwd.uscourts.gov_cgi-bin_show_temp.pl_file=1708178-0--893
Https _ecf.okwd.uscourts.gov_cgi-bin_show_temp.pl_file=1708178-0--893
Deborah Swan
 
CHARLES DYER'S NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR THE FEDERAL WEAPONS CHARGE!
CHARLES DYER'S NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR THE FEDERAL WEAPONS CHARGE! CHARLES DYER'S NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR THE FEDERAL WEAPONS CHARGE!
CHARLES DYER'S NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR THE FEDERAL WEAPONS CHARGE!
Deborah Swan
 
Chapter 21 - The Investigator and the Legal System1.docx
Chapter 21 - The Investigator and the Legal System1.docxChapter 21 - The Investigator and the Legal System1.docx
Chapter 21 - The Investigator and the Legal System1.docx
walterl4
 
Truth vs. Validity
Truth vs. Validity Truth vs. Validity
Truth vs. Validity
Lorik10
 
Distinguish between fact and opinion
Distinguish between fact and opinionDistinguish between fact and opinion
Distinguish between fact and opinion
tahiramuqadas1
 
Explain the relevance of the rules against hearsay to digital eviden.pdf
Explain the relevance of the rules against hearsay to digital eviden.pdfExplain the relevance of the rules against hearsay to digital eviden.pdf
Explain the relevance of the rules against hearsay to digital eviden.pdf
duttakajal70
 
THE NEED FOR EVIDENCE Almost all reasoning we encounter includes bel.docx
THE NEED FOR EVIDENCE Almost all reasoning we encounter includes bel.docxTHE NEED FOR EVIDENCE Almost all reasoning we encounter includes bel.docx
THE NEED FOR EVIDENCE Almost all reasoning we encounter includes bel.docx
kailynochseu
 
Evidence!!
Evidence!!Evidence!!
Evidence!!
Adriene_G
 

Similar to Weighing Evidence.pdf (20)

Medical Evidence
Medical EvidenceMedical Evidence
Medical Evidence
 
The Sentencing Hearing
The Sentencing HearingThe Sentencing Hearing
The Sentencing Hearing
 
LLB LAW NOTES ON LAW OF EVIDENCE
LLB LAW NOTES ON LAW OF EVIDENCELLB LAW NOTES ON LAW OF EVIDENCE
LLB LAW NOTES ON LAW OF EVIDENCE
 
What does affidavit mean.pdf
What does affidavit mean.pdfWhat does affidavit mean.pdf
What does affidavit mean.pdf
 
Examination in chief - By Shivaranjani
Examination in chief  - By ShivaranjaniExamination in chief  - By Shivaranjani
Examination in chief - By Shivaranjani
 
Evidence 2
Evidence 2Evidence 2
Evidence 2
 
Evidence In The Criminal Courts
Evidence In The Criminal CourtsEvidence In The Criminal Courts
Evidence In The Criminal Courts
 
Evidence In The Criminal Courts
Evidence In The Criminal CourtsEvidence In The Criminal Courts
Evidence In The Criminal Courts
 
3 -2 t4-chapter_three_powerpoint_w_teays
3 -2 t4-chapter_three_powerpoint_w_teays3 -2 t4-chapter_three_powerpoint_w_teays
3 -2 t4-chapter_three_powerpoint_w_teays
 
Rules of Evidence Lectures for Reviewees
Rules of Evidence Lectures for RevieweesRules of Evidence Lectures for Reviewees
Rules of Evidence Lectures for Reviewees
 
Useful article on evidence act
Useful article on evidence actUseful article on evidence act
Useful article on evidence act
 
Evidence
EvidenceEvidence
Evidence
 
Https _ecf.okwd.uscourts.gov_cgi-bin_show_temp.pl_file=1708178-0--893
Https  _ecf.okwd.uscourts.gov_cgi-bin_show_temp.pl_file=1708178-0--893Https  _ecf.okwd.uscourts.gov_cgi-bin_show_temp.pl_file=1708178-0--893
Https _ecf.okwd.uscourts.gov_cgi-bin_show_temp.pl_file=1708178-0--893
 
CHARLES DYER'S NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR THE FEDERAL WEAPONS CHARGE!
CHARLES DYER'S NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR THE FEDERAL WEAPONS CHARGE! CHARLES DYER'S NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR THE FEDERAL WEAPONS CHARGE!
CHARLES DYER'S NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR THE FEDERAL WEAPONS CHARGE!
 
Chapter 21 - The Investigator and the Legal System1.docx
Chapter 21 - The Investigator and the Legal System1.docxChapter 21 - The Investigator and the Legal System1.docx
Chapter 21 - The Investigator and the Legal System1.docx
 
Truth vs. Validity
Truth vs. Validity Truth vs. Validity
Truth vs. Validity
 
Distinguish between fact and opinion
Distinguish between fact and opinionDistinguish between fact and opinion
Distinguish between fact and opinion
 
Explain the relevance of the rules against hearsay to digital eviden.pdf
Explain the relevance of the rules against hearsay to digital eviden.pdfExplain the relevance of the rules against hearsay to digital eviden.pdf
Explain the relevance of the rules against hearsay to digital eviden.pdf
 
THE NEED FOR EVIDENCE Almost all reasoning we encounter includes bel.docx
THE NEED FOR EVIDENCE Almost all reasoning we encounter includes bel.docxTHE NEED FOR EVIDENCE Almost all reasoning we encounter includes bel.docx
THE NEED FOR EVIDENCE Almost all reasoning we encounter includes bel.docx
 
Evidence!!
Evidence!!Evidence!!
Evidence!!
 

Recently uploaded

Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer ComplaintsIntegrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
seoglobal20
 
一比一原版多伦多都会大学毕业证(TMU毕业证书)学历如何办理
一比一原版多伦多都会大学毕业证(TMU毕业证书)学历如何办理一比一原版多伦多都会大学毕业证(TMU毕业证书)学历如何办理
一比一原版多伦多都会大学毕业证(TMU毕业证书)学历如何办理
woywevt
 
Pedal to the Court Understanding Your Rights after a Cycling Collision.pdf
Pedal to the Court Understanding Your Rights after a Cycling Collision.pdfPedal to the Court Understanding Your Rights after a Cycling Collision.pdf
Pedal to the Court Understanding Your Rights after a Cycling Collision.pdf
SunsetWestLegalGroup
 
17-03 2022 -full agreement full version .pdf
17-03 2022 -full agreement full version .pdf17-03 2022 -full agreement full version .pdf
17-03 2022 -full agreement full version .pdf
ssuser0dfed9
 
一比一原版(liverpool毕业证书)利物浦大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(liverpool毕业证书)利物浦大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(liverpool毕业证书)利物浦大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(liverpool毕业证书)利物浦大学毕业证如何办理
aypxuyw
 
一比一原版(uottawa毕业证书)加拿大渥太华大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uottawa毕业证书)加拿大渥太华大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(uottawa毕业证书)加拿大渥太华大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uottawa毕业证书)加拿大渥太华大学毕业证如何办理
uhsox
 
一比一原版(trent毕业证书)加拿大特伦特大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(trent毕业证书)加拿大特伦特大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(trent毕业证书)加拿大特伦特大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(trent毕业证书)加拿大特伦特大学毕业证如何办理
mecyyn
 
Capital Punishment by Saif Javed (LLM)ppt.pptx
Capital Punishment by Saif Javed (LLM)ppt.pptxCapital Punishment by Saif Javed (LLM)ppt.pptx
Capital Punishment by Saif Javed (LLM)ppt.pptx
OmGod1
 
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal EnvironmentsFrom Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
ssusera97a2f
 
一比一原版(uwgb毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学绿湾分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uwgb毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学绿湾分校毕业证如何办理一比一原版(uwgb毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学绿湾分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uwgb毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学绿湾分校毕业证如何办理
pdeehy
 
Business Laws Sunita saha
Business Laws Sunita sahaBusiness Laws Sunita saha
Business Laws Sunita saha
sunitasaha5
 
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx llPPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
MohammadZubair874462
 
一比一原版(uwlc毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学拉克罗斯分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uwlc毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学拉克罗斯分校毕业证如何办理一比一原版(uwlc毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学拉克罗斯分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uwlc毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学拉克罗斯分校毕业证如何办理
qevye
 
一比一原版加拿大达尔豪斯大学毕业证(dalhousie毕业证书)如何办理
一比一原版加拿大达尔豪斯大学毕业证(dalhousie毕业证书)如何办理一比一原版加拿大达尔豪斯大学毕业证(dalhousie毕业证书)如何办理
一比一原版加拿大达尔豪斯大学毕业证(dalhousie毕业证书)如何办理
cadyzeo
 
THE CONCEPT OF RIGHT TO DEFAULT BAIL.pptx
THE CONCEPT OF RIGHT TO DEFAULT BAIL.pptxTHE CONCEPT OF RIGHT TO DEFAULT BAIL.pptx
THE CONCEPT OF RIGHT TO DEFAULT BAIL.pptx
Namrata Chakraborty
 
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
15e6o6u
 
一比一原版牛津布鲁克斯大学毕业证(牛布毕业证)如何办理
一比一原版牛津布鲁克斯大学毕业证(牛布毕业证)如何办理一比一原版牛津布鲁克斯大学毕业证(牛布毕业证)如何办理
一比一原版牛津布鲁克斯大学毕业证(牛布毕业证)如何办理
meboh
 
一比一原版伯恩茅斯大学毕业证(bu毕业证)如何办理
一比一原版伯恩茅斯大学毕业证(bu毕业证)如何办理一比一原版伯恩茅斯大学毕业证(bu毕业证)如何办理
一比一原版伯恩茅斯大学毕业证(bu毕业证)如何办理
ymefneb
 
Should AI hold Intellectual Property Rights?
Should AI hold Intellectual Property Rights?Should AI hold Intellectual Property Rights?
Should AI hold Intellectual Property Rights?
RoseZubler1
 
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at SeaSan Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
Justin Ordoyo
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer ComplaintsIntegrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
Integrating Advocacy and Legal Tactics to Tackle Online Consumer Complaints
 
一比一原版多伦多都会大学毕业证(TMU毕业证书)学历如何办理
一比一原版多伦多都会大学毕业证(TMU毕业证书)学历如何办理一比一原版多伦多都会大学毕业证(TMU毕业证书)学历如何办理
一比一原版多伦多都会大学毕业证(TMU毕业证书)学历如何办理
 
Pedal to the Court Understanding Your Rights after a Cycling Collision.pdf
Pedal to the Court Understanding Your Rights after a Cycling Collision.pdfPedal to the Court Understanding Your Rights after a Cycling Collision.pdf
Pedal to the Court Understanding Your Rights after a Cycling Collision.pdf
 
17-03 2022 -full agreement full version .pdf
17-03 2022 -full agreement full version .pdf17-03 2022 -full agreement full version .pdf
17-03 2022 -full agreement full version .pdf
 
一比一原版(liverpool毕业证书)利物浦大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(liverpool毕业证书)利物浦大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(liverpool毕业证书)利物浦大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(liverpool毕业证书)利物浦大学毕业证如何办理
 
一比一原版(uottawa毕业证书)加拿大渥太华大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uottawa毕业证书)加拿大渥太华大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(uottawa毕业证书)加拿大渥太华大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uottawa毕业证书)加拿大渥太华大学毕业证如何办理
 
一比一原版(trent毕业证书)加拿大特伦特大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(trent毕业证书)加拿大特伦特大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(trent毕业证书)加拿大特伦特大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(trent毕业证书)加拿大特伦特大学毕业证如何办理
 
Capital Punishment by Saif Javed (LLM)ppt.pptx
Capital Punishment by Saif Javed (LLM)ppt.pptxCapital Punishment by Saif Javed (LLM)ppt.pptx
Capital Punishment by Saif Javed (LLM)ppt.pptx
 
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal EnvironmentsFrom Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
From Promise to Practice. Implementing AI in Legal Environments
 
一比一原版(uwgb毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学绿湾分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uwgb毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学绿湾分校毕业证如何办理一比一原版(uwgb毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学绿湾分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uwgb毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学绿湾分校毕业证如何办理
 
Business Laws Sunita saha
Business Laws Sunita sahaBusiness Laws Sunita saha
Business Laws Sunita saha
 
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx llPPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
PPT-Money Laundering - lecture 5.pptx ll
 
一比一原版(uwlc毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学拉克罗斯分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uwlc毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学拉克罗斯分校毕业证如何办理一比一原版(uwlc毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学拉克罗斯分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(uwlc毕业证书)美国威斯康星大学拉克罗斯分校毕业证如何办理
 
一比一原版加拿大达尔豪斯大学毕业证(dalhousie毕业证书)如何办理
一比一原版加拿大达尔豪斯大学毕业证(dalhousie毕业证书)如何办理一比一原版加拿大达尔豪斯大学毕业证(dalhousie毕业证书)如何办理
一比一原版加拿大达尔豪斯大学毕业证(dalhousie毕业证书)如何办理
 
THE CONCEPT OF RIGHT TO DEFAULT BAIL.pptx
THE CONCEPT OF RIGHT TO DEFAULT BAIL.pptxTHE CONCEPT OF RIGHT TO DEFAULT BAIL.pptx
THE CONCEPT OF RIGHT TO DEFAULT BAIL.pptx
 
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(SCU毕业证书)澳洲南十字星大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
 
一比一原版牛津布鲁克斯大学毕业证(牛布毕业证)如何办理
一比一原版牛津布鲁克斯大学毕业证(牛布毕业证)如何办理一比一原版牛津布鲁克斯大学毕业证(牛布毕业证)如何办理
一比一原版牛津布鲁克斯大学毕业证(牛布毕业证)如何办理
 
一比一原版伯恩茅斯大学毕业证(bu毕业证)如何办理
一比一原版伯恩茅斯大学毕业证(bu毕业证)如何办理一比一原版伯恩茅斯大学毕业证(bu毕业证)如何办理
一比一原版伯恩茅斯大学毕业证(bu毕业证)如何办理
 
Should AI hold Intellectual Property Rights?
Should AI hold Intellectual Property Rights?Should AI hold Intellectual Property Rights?
Should AI hold Intellectual Property Rights?
 
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at SeaSan Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflict at Sea
 

Weighing Evidence.pdf

  • 1.
  • 2. DEFINITION Weighing evidence is the process of assessing the reliability and the probative value of evidence already determined to be relevant.
  • 3. EVIDENCE Evidence determines which facts are proved or disproved. Not all evidence equally helps in making findings, therefore evidence must be weighed. More trustworthy and probative evidence given more weight in coming to a decision on the matters in issue. To determine weight involves the application of common sense.
  • 4. WEIGHING EVIDENCE Evidence should be weighed in light of all of the evidence in the case and the issues to be decided, i.e. in its totality. Evidence may be given full weight, partial weight, more or less weight than other evidence, or no weight at all. Evidence is weighed against other evidence to determine which evidence is more reliable. Ultimately, the weight will determine if the burden of proof is met for each element of the offence.
  • 5. STEPS IN WEIGHING EVIDENCE Identify the determinative issues. Sort the evidence by its relevance to those issues. Weigh the evidence for its probative value and reliability. Give reasons for ascribing more or less weight to particular evidence. Make clear findings of fact. Apply the appropriate legal tests to the evidence found to be probative and reliable. NB: Some factors considered in weighing reliability of evidence, will also be used to determine the credibility of the evidence.
  • 6. 1 FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN WEIGHING EVIDENCE Credibility - determined by demeanour (conduct, appearance, etc.) Circumstantial evidence - indirect proof which has no direct link with the facts in dispute but the cumulative effect of such evidence may serve as proof and will determine the weight. Not the only reasonable inference, but the most probable inference to be made.
  • 7. 2 FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN WEIGHING EVIDENCE Failure to cross-examine witness – a party does not dispute the version of the witness. Failure of a party to testify - Presiding Officers will have only the unchallenged “prima facie” evidence of the other party. Failure to call available witnesses - reasons why witnesses are not called should be examined, e.g. are they hostile, biased or unreliable.
  • 8. ADDITIONAL FACTORS IN WEIGHING EVIDENCE The person making the statement and the circumstances in making of statements. Number of times the info is passed on before being made known to the witness. Consistency of the statement in terms other reliable evidence. Witness' opportunity to observe the events on which he testifies. Circumstances surrounding the event. Is better evidence available and why it is not produced?
  • 9. ADDITIONAL FACTORS IN WEIGHING EVIDENCE Is the witness drawing reasonable inferences or is simply speculating? Is the evidence consistent with reliable documentary or other evidence? Circumstances under which a document was created. Opportunity to cross-examine the author of a document Is the witness is disinterested in the result or biased? Witness' qualifications and knowledge of the subject on which he testifies. Knowledge and expertise of author of a document.