Regina v Sweet Escott: QBD 1971

There are limits as to what may be put to a witness by way of cross-examination as to credit. Lawton J said: ‘What, then, is the principle upon which the judge should draw the line? It seems to me that it is this. Since the purpose of cross-examination as to credit is to show that the witness ought not to be believed on oath, the matters about which he is questioned must relate to his likely standing after cross-examination with the tribunal which is trying him or listening to his evidence.’

Judges:

Lawton J

Citations:

[1971] 55 Cr App R 316

Jurisdiction:

England and Wales

Cited by:

CitedWatson v Cleveland Police CA 12-Oct-2001
The defendant appealed an award of damages in favour of the applicant for assault by police officers whilst held in police custody. The said the judge should have allowed the claimant’s criminal record in in full.
Held: The judge had directed . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.

Criminal Practice

Updated: 19 June 2022; Ref: scu.184913