Top 14 How Do You Prove Assault Without Witnesses 130 Most Correct Answers

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What happens in a case when there is no witness?

If a witness in a criminal case refuses to testify, he or she could be found in contempt of court. Being in contempt could result in jail time and/or a fine. A victim in a domestic violence or sexual assault case, however, cannot be jailed for refusing to testify.

What happens if there is not enough evidence?

In a trial, if the prosecution finishes presenting their case and the judge finds they have not met their burden of proof, the judge may dismiss the case (even before the defense presents their side) for insufficient evidence.

How much evidence is needed to convict UK?

5. The burden of proving the guilt of the defendant lies on the prosecution, who must prove the particulars of the offence beyond reasonable doubt; the jury or magistrates should only convict if they are sure of the defendant’s guilt.

Can a case go to court without evidence UK?

124 as follows: “(1) If there is no evidence that the crime alleged has been committed by the defendant, there is no difficulty – the judge will stop the case.

Is a witness statement enough to convict?

What is reassuring for defendants is that whilst a signed statement from a complainant is enough for a charge, it is not necessarily enough to secure a conviction. The complainant must be able to convince the jury or magistrates that the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

How many witness are necessary for the proof of a fact?

‘In any case, no particular number of witnesses shall be required for proof of any fact in the case’. This section of Indian Evidence Act clearly laid down that no particular number of witnesses required to proof or disproof the facts of the case. This section applies to civil and criminal cases.

Can I be charged without evidence?

You cannot be arrested without evidence. In order to be arrested for a criminal offense a police officer must have probable cause. Probable cause is a legal standard less than reasonable doubt.

Is photo evidence enough to convict Why?

In order for photo and video evidence to be admissible in court it must meet two basic requirements: relevance and authenticity. In order for evidence to be relevant it must have probative value. In other words, it must either support or undermine the truth of any point at issue in the legal proceedings.

What is credible evidence?

Credible evidence is evidence that’s likely to be believed. A credible plan is one that might actually work, and a credible excuse is one your parents might actually believe. And just as credible means “believable”, the noun credibility means “believability”.

Can you drop assault charges UK?

But charges can be dropped any time before the trial or up until the point where the prosecution is done with presenting their side of the case. If charges are dropped after the trial begins, the prosecution must request the court to allow the charges to be dropped, and the court may or may not give their consent.

Can you be charged without evidence UK?

In general, the police can charge you without evidence, but the prospects of that case actually going to court rely heavily on whether the CPS believes there is enough evidence to convict you.

What kinds of proof are typically required for a conviction?

Proof beyond a reasonable doubt, therefore, must be proof of such a convincing character that a reasonable person would not hesitate to rely and act upon it. A person can never be convicted on mere suspicion or conjecture. The prosecution always has the burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

What are the 4 types of evidence?

There are four types evidence by which facts can be proven or disproven at trial which include:
  • Real evidence;
  • Demonstrative evidence;
  • Documentary evidence; and.
  • Testimonial evidence.

What is strong evidence in court?

Strong circumstantial evidence that only leads to one logical conclusion can sometimes become the evidence the court uses in reaching belief beyond a reasonable doubt to convict an accused. It requires assumptions and logical inferences to be made by the court to attribute meaning to the evidence.

What type of evidence is not admissible in court?

Hearsay evidence generally is inadmissible unless it falls within an exception or exclusion set out in the Federal Rules, a federal statute, or a Supreme Court rule.

Can you go to court without evidence?

Evidence is how guilt is proven in court. Since guilt must be proven to convict, a conviction is not possible without evidence.

Can I refuse to be a witness in court?

A person can be compelled (forced) to attend court and give evidence if they have been deemed competent to do so. The exceptions to this rule are the accused themselves, the accused’s spouse or civil partner and those not deemed competent to give evidence.

What are the four types of witnesses?

Typically the Four Types of witnesses are:
  • Lay witness.
  • Expert witness.
  • Character witness.
  • Secondary witness.

Can I refuse to be a witness in court Philippines?

Any Witness registered in the Program who fails or refuses to testify or to continue to testify without just cause when lawfully obliged to do so, shall be prosecuted for contempt. If he testifies falsely or evasively, he shall be liable to prosecution for perjury.


How Do You Prove Self-Defense with No Witnesses?
How Do You Prove Self-Defense with No Witnesses?


Error 403 (Forbidden)

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Proving the offence
– Court Stage – Enforcement Guide (England & Wales)

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What is evidence

Fact-finding in the trial

The burden of proof

Reasonable practicability

Legal and evidential burdens

Reverse burdens

Advance rebuttal

Footnotes

Resources

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Submission of No Case to Answer — Defence-Barrister.co.uk

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Stopping a case due to insufficient evidence

What is a submission of no case to answer

When can a submission of no case to answer be made

How does a judge decide if there is no case to answer

Submission of no case to answer examples

Will the jury be present during a submission of no case to answer

What happens when a submission of no case is successful

What happens when a submission of no case is unsuccessful

Can the prosecution appeal following a successful submission of no case to answer

Can the defence appeal following an unsuccessful submission of no case to answer

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How can I be prosecuted when ‘there is no evidence?’ – Olliers Solicitors Law Firm

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How can I be prosecuted when ‘there is no evidence?’ - Olliers Solicitors Law Firm
How can I be prosecuted when ‘there is no evidence?’ – Olliers Solicitors Law Firm

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How to Prove Assault: 12 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow

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What Evidence is Used to Prove Assault? | Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

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Use of Witness Testimony in Assault and Aggravated Assault Cases

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What Happens if a Victim or Witness Refuses to Testify?

Posted on January 22, 2022

If a witness in a criminal case refuses to testify, he or she could be found in contempt of court. Being in contempt could result in jail time and/or a fine. A victim in a domestic violence or sexual assault case, however, cannot be jailed for refusing to testify. But the victim/witness could still be held in contempt and fined per Code of Civil Procedure 1219.

The two most common situations where a witness is found in contempt are:

failing to appear in court after receiving a subpoena ,

, refusing to testify in court.

The court uses its contempt power to ensure obedience to its orders. It also helps the court run in an orderly fashion. Otherwise, people would not take testifying seriously.

Refusing to testify is considered direct contempt because it is committed in the presence of the judge. A judge can immediately punish someone who refuses to testify (See Code of Civil Procedure 1218). A witness who is found in direct contempt can receive:

5 days jail,

a $1,000 fine.

Further, a witness who refuses to testify can be jailed until the court proceeding or trial is complete. Please note that a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault cannot be jailed for refusing to testify. [See Code of Civil Procedure 1219(b)].

It is even possible for criminal charges to be filed against a witness who refuses to testify under Penal Code 166(a)(6). If found guilty, the punishment for refusing to testify under Penal Code 166 is up to:

six months jail,

a $1,000 fine.

There are defenses to refusing to testify but they should be presented to the court at the time of refusing. They include:

the right against self-incrimination,

privilege (marital, clergy, news reporter),

questions are not material.

Can I refuse to testify if I get a subpoena?

Generally not. A witness who fails to appear in court on a subpoena is subject to arrest. A witness who refuses to testify after appearing in court could be:

fined,

jailed (until he or she complies or the proceedings conclude),

charged with a violation of a court order under Penal Code 166 PC.

Contempt may be civil or criminal in nature. It depends on whether the court’s purpose is:

to pressure or coerce (civil),

to punish (criminal).

A refusal to testify is considered civil contempt. But even civil contempt is considered quasi-criminal in nature. That means that a person is entitled to certain constitutional procedures. For example, the witness is entitled to consult with a lawyer.

A refusal to testify can also be treated as criminal contempt under Penal Code 166. Criminal contempt is a misdemeanor. Under Penal Code 166(a)(6), it is contempt of court to:

unlawfully refuse to be sworn as a witness or,

or, refuse to answer a material question.

To be a valid order for criminal contempt, the written contempt order must specify:

the underlying facts for refusing to testify,

the court’s ruling on the refusal to testify claim,

the witness was represented by an attorney.

Conviction under Penal Code 166 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

What is a subpoena?

A subpoena is an order for a witness to appear in court. In a criminal case, per Penal Code 1326, a subpoena can be signed and issued by a:

magistrate or judge,

district attorney,

district attorney investigator,

attorney for the defendant.

A witness must be personally served with a copy of the subpoena. If the subpoena was personally served and the witness fails to go to court, he or she is subject to arrest.

It is possible, however, to deliver a subpoena by mail or messenger. But in that case, the witness must acknowledge receipt of the subpoena. That usually means that the witness signs for the subpoena. (See Penal Code 1328d).

Please note that a subpoena can also be issued to order the production of certain books, papers, documents, and records.

Is it a crime to try and persuade a witness not to testify?

It is a crime to try and prevent a witness from testifying. It doesn’t matter if it is your case or someone else’s. Under Penal Code 136.1 PC, it is a crime to knowingly prevent or dissuade a witness from:

reporting a crime,

aiding in the arrest process,

aiding in the prosecution process, OR

attending or testifying at any judicial proceeding.

The crime of dissuading a witness can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Will the DA dismiss a case if the witness won’t testify?

It depends. Sometimes the only evidence the district attorney has is the testimony of the victim. Other times there is additional evidence that allows the case to go forward. For example, if:

the defendant admitted guilt or other important evidence,

there are other witnesses,

the refusing witness previously testified.

Are there defenses if a witness refuses to testify?

Yes, there are legal reasons to refuse to testify. The reasons should be presented to the court at the time of refusing. They might include:

the right against self-incrimination,

privilege (marital, clergy, news reporter),

questions are not material.

See our related article on Can a defendant talk to a witness?

insufficient evidence

Insufficient evidence is the evidence which fails to meet the burden of proof and is inadequate to prove a fact. In a trial, if the prosecution finishes presenting their case and the judge finds they have not met their burden of proof, the judge may dismiss the case (even before the defense presents their side) for insufficient evidence. For example, in criminal cases the burden is to prove beyond a reasonable doubt and failure to meet the burden results in insufficient evidence.

Insufficient evidence may even be grounds for appeal.

[Last updated in February of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Proving the offence

Proving the offence

What is evidence?

1. Evidence is information that may be presented to persuade the court of the probability of the truth of some fact asserted in the case, ie information by which facts tend to be proved or disproved.

Fact-finding in the trial

2. Facts at issue in criminal cases are those that the prosecution must prove if it is to succeed, together with any facts that the defendant may wish to raise in his/her defence. The prosecution must prove all the elements of the offence. Examples of facts that may need to be proved are:

the identity of the defendant;

that the defendant is an employer;

that an employee was ‘at work’ at the time s/he was injured.

3. The elements of an offence will appear as items on the evidence matrix that is submitted to the Approval Officer as part of the prosecution report.

4. A trial is a fact-finding exercise and, with its verdict, the court makes a decision as to whether all elements of the offence have been proved. Fact-finding might appear to be straightforward: the two parties put before the court their evidence to support a particular version of the facts in dispute, and the court decides which version it prefers. However, there are rules that govern how this process is to be conducted – rules of evidence, such as the hearsay rule, and rules of procedure. These rules are necessary to ensure that a defendant receives a fair trial and is not unfairly convicted.

The burden of proof

5. The burden of proving the guilt of the defendant lies on the prosecution, who must prove the particulars of the offence beyond reasonable doubt; the jury or magistrates should only convict if they are sure of the defendant’s guilt.

6. A key question for consideration is which party has the obligation (‘the burden’) to prove particular facts in issue. A court will look primarily at the wording of the statutory provision when making this decision.

7. The words ‘shall’ or ‘shall not’, used in statutory provisions, impose an absolute obligation to do, or not to do, the act in question. It is not possible for a defendant to argue that it is impracticable, difficult or even impossible to do it, or not to do it. For example, section 7 HSWA states: “It shall be the duty of every employee while at work–

to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work; and as regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with him so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.”

8. By the use of the word “shall”, this section imposes absolute duties on the employee. Once the prosecution has proved that an employee did not take reasonable care as required, the offence is proved, whether or not the defendant realised that what s/he was doing fell below an acceptable standard of conduct.

Reasonable practicability

9. The duty set out at section 7(a) HSWA is to take ‘reasonable care’. There is a distinction between the duty to take reasonable care and the duty to ensure health and safety ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’.

10. Under the HSWA and certain regulations, a duty holder may be required to do something ‘so far as is practicable’ or ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’. In these situations, section 40 HSWA applies (see ‘Reverse burdens’ below).

11. ‘Reasonably practicable’ is a lesser standard than ‘practicable’. The duty holder must balance the risk against the sacrifice (whether in money, time or trouble) involved in taking the measures needed to avert the risk. If there is a gross disproportion between them, the risk being insignificant relative to the sacrifice, the defendant is not required to take any further measures and so discharges the duty. In assessing what is ‘reasonably practicable’ in relation to the general duties under sections 2, 3 and 4 HSWA, the likelihood of a risk eventuating (which includes some consideration of what is reasonably foreseeable) is relevant.

12. Where the obligation is qualified by the word ‘practicable’, the standard is stricter: the duty holder should do what is necessary to reduce the risk regardless of the cost (in time or money). The measures must be possible in the light of current knowledge and invention.

13. It will be for the court to decide as a question of fact (based on the evidence presented) whether or not something was practicable or reasonably practicable.

14. The requirement under sections 2,3 and 4 HSWA to ensure something ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’ operates to qualify the duty rather than acting as a defence.

Legal and evidential burdens

15. There are two principal burdens (or ‘obligations to prove’) in legal proceedings: the legal burden and the evidential burden.

16. The legal burden is the obligation on a party to prove a fact in issue. In criminal proceedings, the prosecution normally has the legal burden of proving, beyond reasonable doubt, all elements of the offence. Whether this burden has been discharged is decided by the magistrates or jury at the end of the trial, when all the evidence has been presented. If the prosecution has not discharged this burden, the case will fail.

17. The evidential burden is the obligation to adduce sufficient evidence on a fact in issue to justify, as a possibility, a favourable finding on that issue by the magistrates or jury. Whether the evidential burden has been discharged is decided, during the course of the trial, by the judge (for example, following a defence submission of ‘no case to answer’). The prosecution must adduce sufficient evidence to prevent the judge withdrawing that issue from the jury. Even where the evidential burden is discharged on a particular issue, the evidence may not be sufficient to discharge the legal burden on that issue.

18. A party bearing the legal burden on a particular issue usually also bears the evidential burden of proving that issue. Two exceptions are:

certain criminal defences ; and

; and ‘presumptions’.

19. In certain criminal defences, the burden on the defence may be ‘evidential only’: the defence merely has to raise sufficient evidence for the matter to be considered by the court. The burden then passes to the prosecution to prove the matter beyond reasonable doubt. However, this is not the case with the reverse burden under section 40 HSWA (see below); this exception does not therefore apply to health and safety offences.

20. A presumption is where a court treats a fact as having been proved, notwithstanding that no (or insufficient) evidence has been presented to establish it. A presumption can help the prosecution to prove a particular fact by requiring the defence to disprove it. For example, it will be presumed as a matter of law that:

a properly addressed and posted letter, not returned, has reached its destination; and

a person acting in an office was properly appointed.

21. These facts will be ‘presumed’ by the court unless the defence presents sufficient evidence to the contrary to rebut the presumption.

Reverse burdens

22. When the burden of proof is on the defendant to establish a particular issue, it is often referred to as a ‘reverse burden’, because it reverses the normal situation in which the prosecution must prove the facts beyond reasonable doubt.

23. Section 40 HSWA imposes such a reverse burden: where a duty holder is required to do something ‘so far as is practicable’ or ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’, the burden is on the defendant to prove that it was not practicable or reasonably practicable to do more than was in fact done. The Court of Appeal has ruled that the burden of proof imposed on the defendant by section 40 is a legal burden (see above), which is justified, necessary and proportionate.

24. Similarly, under section 17 HSWA, if an accused is proved not to have followed a relevant provision in an Approved Code of Practice, the failure to do so will be taken by the court as proof of contravention of the legal requirement in question unless the accused can show that s/he satisfied the requirement by adopting suitable alternative measures.

25. Where a legal burden of proof is on a defendant, s/he can satisfy it if s/he proves the issue on the balance of probabilities. This is the same standard as that placed on a claimant in a civil action; s/he need not prove the issue beyond reasonable doubt.

Advance rebuttal

26. Despite the reverse burden under section 40 HSWA, it is nevertheless advisable in cases involving reasonable practicability to adduce evidence during the prosecution case to show what measures it would have been reasonably practicable for the defendant to take. The opportunity to do this may be lost once the prosecution case has closed.

27. This is known as ‘advance rebuttal’ and has been recognised by the courts. It may involve, for example, adducing expert evidence or HSE or industry guidance to counter any potential defence arguments as to foreseeability (see ‘Reasonable practicability’ above), including evidence of wider custom and practice, human factors or the hierarchy of control measures in cases where the defence may argue that the actions (or omissions) of an employee were not foreseeable.

28. In addition, one of the factors the court may take into account in determining sentence is how far short of the appropriate standard the defendant fell in failing to meet the reasonably practicable test.

Footnotes

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