On 12 May, 18:25, "news.btinternet.com" wrote:
> I have been called as a prosecution witness in a not so nice case.
>
> I have given police statements.
>
> The question
>
> I have recieved a letter from the defense lawyer in the case in =A0who nee=
d to
> do ask further questions before the case goes to court.i.e do a home visit=
> with more questions
>
> Is this allowed ? I would be willing to answer any questions when I am at
> the court but can I refuse before that date without breaking some laws ?
> ...many thanks for any help
I don't know the procedure in England, but in Scotland both the
prosecution and defence can ask for a 'precognition' interview to
determine what you know and what evidence you can give the court.
Frequently the prosecution may not require this since your statement
to the police may be sufficient. I believe you do not have to consent
to precognition by the defence, but if the defense consider your
evidence important enough they can apply to a Sheriff to require you
to give a precognition statement under oath. Precognition allows the
defence a fair chance to learn what evidence you can present so that
they have time to properly investigate and prepare a defence. If the
case is in Scotland, you could counsult the Crown Office if you are in
doubt. Type 'precognition+defence' into Google UK for more info.
Toom |