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In criminal proceedings each party calls witnesses who they expect to give evidence that will assist their case. However, sometimes a party calls a witness who proceeds to give evidence that does not support the case of the party that called them and that is inconsistent with statements the person has made in the past. This is known as an ‘unfavourable witness’ or a ‘hostile witness’. This page deals with hostile witnesses in criminal matters in Queensland. In Queensland, evidence laws are primarily governed by the Evidence Act 1977. What is a hostile witness? An unfavourable witness, or a… Read More
In Queensland, there are several offences relating to escaping from lawful custody. These offences are set out in the Crimes Act 1899. Escaping from custody or helping someone to do so is a serious offence that may attract a lengthy term of imprisonment. This page looks at escape from custody offences in Queensland. What amounts to lawful custody? In order for an accused to be found guilty of escaping from lawful custody, a court must be satisfied that the custody was lawful. A person is in lawful custody if they have been arrested and detained in a way that… Read More