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Proceeding contribution from Viscount Bledisloe (Crossbench) in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 15 July 2008. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill.


Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill

I confess that I find that answer unsatisfactory. The defendant cannot know whether he had a fair trial; he cannot know whether, if he had known the name of the witnesses, he would have had any further questions to put. If he had known the witness’s identity, he might have called all sorts of evidence and cross-examined heavily. Alternatively, if he had known the witness’s identity, he might have had nothing further to say. How can the defendant demonstrate, therefore, that he did not receive a fair trial? All he can say is, ““It does not seem to me that I had a fair trial because I did not have a chance to put the points that I might have put if I had known who was giving evidence””. I am deeply unsatisfied with the Minister’s answer. However, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 11 agreed to. Clause 12 [Interpretation]:


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
703 c1151 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Disclosure of information Criminal proceedings Common law Intimidation Protection Property Magistrates' courts New Zealand Witnesses Trials
Legislation
Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill 2007-08
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk