Commital Proceedings

Question 1

What are the purposes of committal proceedings?

Answer 1

• test the strength of the prosecutions case
• Give the accused an opertunity to understand the case and cross examine witnesses of the prosecution.
• The prosecution presents all their evidence to establish a Prima Facie case (on the face of it appears to be enough evidence), and also so the accused knows the evidence against them.

Question 2

What are the steps involved in committal proceedings?

Answer 2

• To see whether a charge for an indictable offence is appropiate to be heard summarily.
• To decide if there is enough evidence to support a conviction for the offence.
• To find out the plea of the accused
• To ensure there is a fair trial.

Question 3

How do committal proceedings ensure a fair trial?

Answer 3

• Making sure the prosecutions case is disclosed to the accused
• Giving the accused an opportunity to hear or read evidence and cross examine the witnesses if they chose to do so.
• Allows the accused to put forward a case at an early stage if they want to.
• Allows the accused to prepare their case properly, and understand the issues to be argued and have these properly defined.