![]() The statement filed to the inquiry was just over two pages long. He said this was an “inordinate amount” he only “glanced” at, and that he was given just 26 days to write up his witness statement. Grant said he had received 78 documents totalling 450 pages to read. “I fully understand my obligations to this important inquiry, but my time was limited.” “I chose my current job as being most important as it directly affected 20 members of staff and 29 homeless residents,” he told the hearing. Grant, a programme manager at the charity who works with homeless people, said he had been too busy with activities such as carol singing, making Christmas dinners and walking his dog over the festive period when the inquiry expected him to write up his witness statement. If the prosecution does not provide it to the defense, it may require a new trial.He told the inquiry on Wednesday he had a “clash of priorities” and wanted to focus on his current job at the Salvation Army. This evidence could show the defendant’s innocence. ![]() Further, the prosecutor is required to provide the defense with evidence that may hurt his case, called exculpatory evidence. A failure of the prosecutor to do so can expose the prosecutor to fines/sanctions by the court. A prosecutor has a continuing obligation to provide the defendant documents and other information which may reflect upon the case. This process is called discovery, and continues from the time the case begins to the time of trial. ![]() Prosecutors must also provide the defendant copies of materials and evidence that the prosecution intends to use at trial. Based on information in the reports and the information from witnesses, the prosecutor determines the facts of the case. These conversations will help the prosecutor decide whom to call as a witness in court.Īnother important part of trial preparation is reading every report written about the case. To avoid surprises at trial and to determine which of the witnesses to call to testify, the prosecutor talks to each witness to find out what they may say during trial. Neighbors, friends, family, and clergy are often used as character witnesses. Character witnesses usually don’t see the crime take place but they can be very helpful in a case because they know the personality of the defendant or victim, or what type of person the defendant or victim was before the crime.
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