Royal Commissions & Inquiries
5. Witnesses
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 22 Sep 2015
- Witnesses may also be summonsed to attend a hearing. If you receive a summons it will include information about the:
- date;
- location; and
- time you need to go to the hearing.
- Evidence may be received in a written statement or orally. The commission will decide which form they will accept.
- Witnesses giving evidence in a written statement may still be summoned to attend the hearing so that they can be cross-examined.
- A lawyer assisting the commission will examine the witness.
- Any person who has been given leave (permission) to appear may also cross-examine the witness.
- Before deciding whether or not to give a person leave the commission will take into account what the purpose of the cross-examination is.
- There may also be limitations on the issues for cross-examination and a time limit may be given.
- Any witness may also be re-examined by their own lawyer if they have one.
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