Regina v Milakovic [2004] NSWCCA 199

Regina v Milakovic [2004] NSWCCA 199

The Court held that refusing leave under s38 to cross-examine a witness as unfavourable concerns the manner of adducing evidence and not the admissibility of evidence itself. Therefore, such refusal is not appealable under s5F(3A) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1912. Further, the Crown failed to establish that the ruling would eliminate or substantially weaken its case at the prospective trial.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
21 June 2004
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Interlocutory Appeal; Appeal From Pre Trial Ruling
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
['interlocutory Appeals' 'admissibility of Evidence' 'unfavourable Witnesses' 'section 38 Evidence Act']

Case Brief

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Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Interlocutory Appeal; Appeal From Pre Trial Ruling

  1. 1 ["Whether a refusal to allow cross-examination of a witness as unfavourable under s38 of the Evidence Act 1995 constitutes a 'decision or ruling on the admissibility of evidence' within s5F(3A) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1912" "Whether the Crown's appeal is competent under s5F(3A)"]

Ratio Decidendi

The Court held that refusing leave under s38 to cross-examine a witness as unfavourable concerns the manner of adducing evidence and not the admissibility of evidence itself. Therefore, such refusal is not appealable under s5F(3A) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1912. Further, the Crown failed to establish that the ruling would eliminate or substantially weaken its case at the prospective trial.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • ['Crown appeal dismissed as incompetent.' 'Leave to appeal by the accused refused.']