Law of Evidence

211 Pages·2012·0.71 MB·English

Law of Evidence
Teaching Material

Prepared by:

Kahsay Debesu, (LL.B, Lecture)
&
Andualem Eshetu( LL.B, Assistant Lecturer)

Prepared under the Sponsorship of the Justice and Legal System
Research Institute

2009
Table of Contents
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TABLE OF CONTENTS page

CHAPTER: Evidence law General Introduction …………………………………….1

1.1 Meaning, Nature and purpose of Evidence law……………………………………….2
1.1.1 Evidence Law defined……………………………………………………....2
1.1.2 Nature of Evidence law…………………………………………………. …5
1.1.3 Purpose /significance of Evidence law…………………………………..…8
1.2 Development of Evidence law…………………………………………………….....11
1.3 Evidence in civil and common law legal systems …………………………………..13
1.4 Evidence in Ethiopia ………………………………………………………………...22
1.5 Evidence law in civil and criminal cases ……………………………………………25
1.6 Classification of evidence……………………………………………………………30

Chapter two: Facts, which may be proved other than by evidence ………………...33
2.1 Admitted facts……………………………………………………………………….34
2.1.1 Limitations of Admissions…………………………………………………..35
2.1.2 Classification of Admission: formal and informal admissions ……………...38
2.1.3 Types of Admissions: Judicial and Extra- Judicial ……………………….....39
2.1.3.1 Judicial Admissions civil and criminal cases …………………………40
2.1.3.2. Extra- Judicial Admission: Civil and criminal case………………….51
2.2 Presumption ………………………………………………………………………..54
2.2.1 General introduction: basic fact and presumed fact …………………………….54
2.2.2 Presumption of fact……………………………………………………………...58
2.2.3. Presumption of Law ……………………………………………………………60
2.2.3.1. Irrefutable Presumption ………………………………………………..61
2.2.3.2 Reputable presumptions…………………………………………………62
2.2.3.3 Permissive presumptions ………………………………………………66
2.3 Judicial Notice ……………………………………………………………………....68
2.3.1 Judicial notice of adjudicative facts …………………………………………..69
2.3.2 Judicial notice of law …………………………………………………………73

Chapter three: Relevance and admissibility of evidences …………………………..85

3.1 Facts in issue…………………………………………………………………………86
3.2 Relevant facts………………………………………………………………………...89
3.3 Facts Relevant to facts in issue……………………………………………………....93
3.4 Relevancy of Confession …………………………………………………………..100
3.5 Relevancy of Circumstantial Evidence……………………………………………..105
3.6 Relevancy of similar Occurrence…………………………………………………...107
3.7 Relevancy of Judicial decision……………………………………………………..110
3.8 Relevancy of character evidence…………………………………………………...114
3.9. Relevant but inadmissible facts……………………………………………………118
3.9.1 Admissibility: General………………………………………………………..118
3.9.2 Public policy and privilege…………………………………………… ……..120
CHAPTER FOUR: ORAL EVIDENCE…………………………………………….126
4.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………126
4.2 Oral evidence: Definition…………………………………………………………...127
4.3 Importance of Oral Evidence ……………………………………………………128
4.4 Nature and Development of Oral Evidence in Different Legal Systems ………130
4 .4.1 The Traditional Ethiopian Oral Litigation……………………………………132
4.5 Competence of witnesses……………………………………………………...135
4.5.1 Grounds of incompetence………………………………………………………..135
4.5.1.1 Mental incapacity ………………………………………………………..136
4.5.1.2 Physical incapacity………………………………………………………137
4.5.1.3 Legal interdiction (Conviction of a crime)……………………………...138
4.5.1.4 Interest in the out come of the case as ground of incompetence……...138
4.6. Examination of witness ……………………………………………………………139
4.6.1 Examination-in-chief……………………………………………………………139
4.6.2 Cross examination ………………………………………………………………141
4.6.3 Re-examination …………………………………………………………………143
4.7 Hearsay evidence…………………………………………………………………...144
4.7.1 Definition of hearsay………………………………………………………….144
4.7.2 Justification for exclusion of hearsay statements …………………………….145
4.7.3 Exception to hearsay evidence ……………………………………………….147
4.8 Exclusionary rule: Privileges………………………………………………………151
4.8.1 Policies underlying privileges…………………………………………………151
4.8.2 Types of privileges……………………………………………………………..153
4.8.2.1 He right against self-incrimination…………………………………………154
4.8.2.2Governmental privileges……………………………………………………154
4.8.2.3 Professional confidential154……………………………………………….156
4.8.2.4 Other privileges… …………………………………………………………161

CHAPTER FIVE: REAL EVIDENCE………………………………………………164

5.1 Demonstrative evidence……………………………………………………………165
5.2. Documentary evidence…………………………………………………………….172
5.3 Authentication of Documentary Evidence …………………………………………173
5.3.1 Modes of authentication ………………………………………………………173
5.4. Best evidence rule………………………………………………………………..176
5.5 Proof of contents of documents…………………………………………………….177

CHAPTER SIX: BURDEN AND STANDARD OF PROOF………………………181
6.1 Meaning and concept of burden of proof……………………………………...……184
6.1.1 Burden of production………………………………………………………......185
6.1.2 Burden of persuasion ………………………………………………………...185
6.1.3 Burden of proof under the evidence law of Ethiopia………………………….187
6.1.4 Burden of proof in case of presumptions……………………………………..194
6.2 Standard of proof…………………………………………………………………...195
6.2.1 In civil cases…………………………………………………………………..196
6.2.2 In criminal cases …………………………….. ……………………………..197
References………………………………………………………………………………204
Chapter One: Evidence law General Introduction
Introduction
The first chapter of this teaching material deals with the introductory or preliminary
matters such as the definition, purpose and nature of evidence law. Of also presents also
study the common law and civil law approaches to evidence law with the various types of
evidences. Here it shows the differences between two legal systems in their approach to
evidence law.
Moreover, it discusses the evidence law in Ethiopia and the where about of evidence
rules and principles in Ethiopia in relation with the general rules of evidence. In addition
the chapter reflects the fundamental distinction between the operations of the rules of
evidence in the civil context from the criminal context. Finally, the chapter tries to give a
highlight on classification of evidence and who show evidence can broadly be classified
be it oral, documentary evidence or otherwise.
Chapter Objectives
At the end of this unit, the students are expected to be able to
• describe what law of evidence is all about
• explain the significance of evidence
• identity the differences between the civil law and common law approach to law of
evidence and the Ethiopian position
• discuss the concept of evidence law in civil and criminal cases
• discuss the type of evidences

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1.1 Meaning, Nature and purpose of Evidence law
1.1.1 Evidence Law defined
What is evidence law?
Before dealing with “evidence law”, it is important to discuss about the concept of
“evidence” in general since evidence and law of evidence are two different things. The
word “ evidence” is originated from a Latin term “evidentia” which means to show
clearly, to make clear to the sight to discover clearly certain, to ascertain or to prove.
Thus, evidence is something, which serves to prove or disprove the existence or non-
existence of an alleged fact. The party who alleges the existence of a certain fact has to
prove its existence and the party, who denies it, has to disprove its existence or prove its
non-existence.
However, all facts traditionally considered, as evidence may not be evidence in the eyes
of evidence law. Rather, evidence is something presented before the court for the purpose
of proving or disproving an issue under question. In other words, evidence is the means
of satisfying the court of the truth or untruth of disputed fact between the parties in their
pleadings.
Draft Evidence Rules (DER) defines evidence, as “ a means whereby any alleged matter
of fact, the truth of which is submitted to investigation, is proved and includes statements
by accused persons, admission, Judicial notice, presumptions of law, and observation by
the court in its Judicial capacity”. This definition may be more than what you think to be
evidence. However, even though the kinds of evidences enumerated under Rule 3 of DER
are not exhaustive, it failed to cite “documentary evidence” which is considered as one of
reliable evidences, especially in civil cases, as one types of evidence. This seems the
result of poor drafts' man ship.
Activity
Discuss the literary meaning of evidence in comparison with evidence in the eyes of the
law?
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When we come to the meaning of evidence law, different writers defines it according to
their own perceptions but with similar messages. The difference is one defines in amore
elaborated way while others do not. For instance, Mc. Cormick defines evidence law as
“… the system of rules and standards by which the admission of proof at the trial of a
lawsuit is regulated” But this definition is not as such very helpful especially to a
beginner, because, it fails to incorporate what things are going to be dealt with by the
course.
The title of the course, is the law of evidence. That does not mean only the rules
concerning whether a given piece of information is admissible or not, but also such
questions as what happens if there is no evidence on a given point? How much evidence,
if any must a party introduces to prevent a court from ruling against him on factual
proposition? What are the roles of the judge in evaluating the evidence and the like. To
this effect, Robert Arthur Melin [here after referred as Melin], have made an attempt to
define evidence law in a more comprehensive way. He defined it as follows.
The law of evidence is the body of legal rules developed and enacted to govern:
A. facts that may be considered in court? This is the issue of relevant evidence that
one should adduce before the court to support his allegation.
1. Facts in issue
2. Facts relevant to facts in issue
B. The methods of securing consideration of these facts
1.By proof
i. Real (e.g. documentary, exhibits) evidence
ii. Oral evidence
2. Certain facts, which need not be proved
i. Judicial notice- Facts so notorious as to be facts in public knowledge
,capable of being verified by authoritative texts
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ii. Judicial admission (facts admitted in pleadings, at open court, in
examination of parties, in testimony etc.)
C. The party that must secure consideration of what facts: This is about burden of proof
and degree of proof required to win the case.
D. At the Appeal level evidence law can be said deal with the effect of failure to comply
with rules in any of the above categories of evidence law (e.g. improper admission or
rejection of evidence) Because the decision of the curt regarding the admissibility or non
admissibility of evidence may form the subject of aground of appeal where an appeal is
logged against conviction, discharge or acquittal [see Art 184(c of cr.p.c]. These errors on
the admissibility or inadmissibility of evidence may be reversible or harmless error.
Here that one should ask is that “Does evidentiary errors constitute Reversible error?
Most of the time, an evidentiary error alone is not very likely to induce an appellate court
to term the error “ reversible” on the ground that the error affected a substantial right of a
party. As a general matter, evidentiary reversal is perhaps most plausible, and most
Justifiable, when the constitutional rights of a criminal defendant may be at stake or when
it appeared to be out come determinative. Otherwise they are considered as harmless
error, which was not prejudicial to the rights of the party, and for which; therefore, the
court will not reverse the judgment.
When we come to our case, a decision of any court in Ethiopia will not be ripe for
cassation unless it shows prima-facie case for the existence of a basic error of law.
And even though there is no illustration of the implications “basic error of law” in
general and on evidentiary errors in particular, the experience of the cassation division
shows, among others, the cases depict that there is a basic error of law when any court
renders a decision or makes ruling. (1) When false evidence is produced against the party
(b) by framing an issue which the pleadings or oral arguments of the parties have not
raised or (c) by failing to consider an issue the pleadings are oral arguments of the parties
have raised and the like (“The cassation Division and the Requirements for Basic Error of
law” Muradu Abdo WONBER” law Jour 2nd half-year, January 2008 at P 52-53
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Activity
Is Milen's outline sufficient only to define evidence law as it exists in a common law
system or it is equally applicable to a civil law system?
To finalize it, the law of evidence in the major legal systems/ i.e., in the common law,
civil law or in countries that have a mixed legal system) is the body of legal rules
developed or enacted to govern.
Ø What facts need to be proved and produced to the court
Ø Which of the parties have the burden of proof
Ø The required standards of proof to win the case
The admissibility, creditability, and weight of evidence and other procedural matters as
to how the evidence shall be produced before the court of law.
1.1.2 Nature of Evidence law
Where is the place of evidence law in relation to other laws?
It is important to know the place of evidence law in relation to other laws. Laws
may broadly be classified in to substantive and adjective. Adjective laws are
concerned with the method of presenting cases to court proving them or generally
enforcing the rights and duties provided under the substantive laws. While
substantive laws, are those that defines rights and duties. This forms the greater
part of the law, it would seem that it is more important part, since it defines what
rights, privileges and duties one person may have against or owe another.
However the rights, privileges and duties that exist under such law will mean
nothing unless they can be enforced. This is why adjective law is just as important
as the substantive law.
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