Theme 5: admissibility/inadmissibility of relevant evidence Flashcards
(131 cards)
Q1: What is hearsay evidence? 🤔
Hearsay evidence is when a witness testifies about what they heard someone else say outside of court.
Q2: How was hearsay regulated under common law? ⚖️
Under common law (English law as of 30 May 1960), the exclusionary rule was strictly applied, and the court had no discretion to admit hearsay evidence unless it fell within a closed list of exceptions.
Q3: How did the Law of Evidence Amendment Act 45 of 1988 change the regulation of hearsay evidence? 📜
The Act replaced the rigid rule-and-exception approach with a more flexible system, allowing courts to admit hearsay evidence if traditional hearsay dangers are accounted for or deemed insignificant.
Q4: What is the new definition of hearsay evidence according to Section 3(4) of the Law of Evidence Amendment Act? 📖
Hearsay evidence refers to oral or written evidence whose probative value depends on the credibility of a person other than the witness giving evidence in court.
Q5: What are the three exceptions under Section 3(1)(a)-(c) that allow hearsay evidence? 🔎
a) By agreement – if parties consent.
b) Where the hearsay declarant later testifies.
c) Where admitting hearsay is in the interests of justice.
Q6: In what situation is hearsay evidence admissible by agreement? 🤝
hearsay is admissible if the parties to the trial agree, either expressly or through inferred consent (e.g., failure to object or deliberate elicitation during cross-examination).
Q7: What must a presiding officer do if an accused is unrepresented and hearsay evidence is being admitted? ⚖️
The presiding officer must explain the dangers of admitting hearsay and instruct witnesses to avoid giving hearsay evidence until the court rules on admissibility.
Q8: What was the rationale for provisionally admitting hearsay in S v Ndhlovu (2002 SCA)? 📜
The rationale was that a witness’s story may later be confirmed by another witness’s testimony.
Q9: How did the court rule on hearsay evidence in S v Shaik (2007 SCA)? ⚖️
The court stated that courts should not hesitate to admit hearsay evidence if it aligns with the interests of justice, as required under Section 3(1)(c).
Q10: What is the key test for admitting hearsay under the “interests of justice” exception? ⚖️
The key test is whether the interests of justice demand the reception of the hearsay evidence.
T/F 1: Under common law, courts had discretion to admit hearsay evidence outside the closed list of exceptions. ❌
False! Under common law, courts had no discretion to admit hearsay evidence unless it fell within a closed list of exceptions.
T/F 2: The Law of Evidence Amendment Act 45 of 1988 made hearsay evidence completely admissible in all cases. ❌
False! The Act did not make hearsay automatically admissible; it allowed a more flexible approach with specific conditions.
T/F 3: Hearsay evidence can be admitted if both parties agree, even if it was not originally intended as evidence. ✅
True! If parties consent—either explicitly or through lack of objection—hearsay evidence may be admitted.
T/F 4: In S v Ndhlovu (2002 SCA), the court ruled that hearsay should never be admitted. ❌
False! The court ruled that hearsay could be provisionally admitted if later confirmed by another witness.
T/F 5: Courts must always exclude hearsay evidence if the declarant is not present in court. ❌
False! Courts can admit hearsay evidence if it meets the exceptions outlined in the Law of Evidence Amendment Act.
MCQ 1: What is the main focus of the new definition of hearsay evidence under the Law of Evidence Amendment Act?
A) Whether the evidence is written or oral.
B) Whether the evidence was made under oath.
C) Whether the probative value depends on the credibility of someone other than the witness. ✅
D) Whether the statement was made in a court document.
MCQ 2: Under which of the following conditions is hearsay admissible?
A) When the declarant later testifies. ✅
B) Only if the statement was made in writing.
C) When the evidence is from a government official.
D) Only in criminal cases.
MCQ 3: What must be done before hearsay is admitted when the accused is unrepresented?
A) The presiding officer must ensure the accused understands the risks. ✅
B) The accused must provide a written statement.
C) The court must automatically reject the evidence.
D) The accused must call their own witness.
MCQ 4: The test for admitting hearsay in the interests of justice is based on:
A) Whether the declarant made a sworn statement.
B) Whether the statement aligns with common law exceptions.
C) Whether the interests of justice demand its reception. ✅
D) Whether the statement was recorded electronically.
Hearsay evidence is when a witness testifies about something they ____________ someone else say outside of court.
heard
Under common law, the ______________ rule was strictly applied, meaning courts had no discretion to admit hearsay evidence outside a closed list of exceptions.
exclusionary
The Law of Evidence Amendment Act 45 of 1988 introduced a ________________ approach to hearsay evidence, replacing the rigid common law rule.
flexible
Section 3(4) defines hearsay evidence as evidence, either oral or in writing, where the ______________ value depends on the credibility of someone other than the witness.
probative
Hearsay evidence can be admissible under Section 3(1) of the Act if parties agree, if the hearsay declarant later testifies, or if admitting it is in the ______________ of justice.
interests