Topic: Pre-trial interviews (Read 22308 times)

writerinthenorth · « **on:** February 04, 2014, 07:23:48 AM »

Hello. Been tearing my hair out trying to get an answer for this one online.

I know that in the USA it is allowable for a defence team to contact a potential prosecution witness to ask if they may discuss the case with the witness, pre-trial. My question is, is this allowable in the UK system, and if so are there any special provisions (e.g. does a member of the prosecuting team have to be present?) I would be grateful if any knowledgeable forum member could help me on this as I have exhausted all avenues otherwise.

writerinthenorth · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2014, 12:49:49 PM »

Actually I have just discovered the answer myself. Defence lawyers can ask to speak to prosecution witnesses pre-trial, though witnesses don't have to agree, and if it happens the prosecution lawyers should also be present. Same in the UK as the US I think.