Lawgist144Evidence as to matters in writing
Any witness may be asked, whilst under examination, whether any contract, grant or other disposition of property, as to which he is giving evidence, was not contained in a document, and if he says that it was, or if he is about to make any statement as to the contents of any document, which, in the opinion of the Court, ought to be produced, the adverse party may object to such evidence being given until such document is produced, or until facts have been proved which entitle the party who called the witness to give secondary evidence of it.
Explanation. -- A witness may give oral evidence of statements made by other persons about the contents of documents if such statements are in themselves relevant facts.
Illustrations
The question is, whether A assaulted B.
C deposes that he heard A say to D-- "B wrote a letter accusing me of theft, and I will be revenged on him." This statement is relevant, as showing A's motive for the assault, and evidence may be given of it, though no other evidence is given about the letter.
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- 135 Order of production and examination of witnesses
- 136 Judge to decide as to admissibility of evidence
- 137 Examination-in-chief
- 138 Order of examinations
- 139 Cross-examination of person called to produce a document
- 140 Witnesses to character
- 141 Leading questions
- 142 When they must not be asked
- 143 When they may be asked
- 144 Evidence as to matters in writing
- 145 Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing
- 146 Questions lawful in cross-examination
- 147 When witness to be compelled to answer
- 148 Court to decide when question shall be asked and when witness compelled to answer
- 149 Question not to be asked without reasonable grounds
- 150 Procedure of Court in case of question being asked without reasonable grounds
- 151 Indecent and scandalous questions
- 152 Questions intended to insult or annoy
- 153 Exclusion of evidence to contradict answers to questions testing veracity
- 154 Question by party to his own witness
- 155 Impeaching credit of witness
- 156 Questions tending to corroborate evidence of relevant fact, admissible
- 157 Former statements of witness may be proved to corroborate later testimony as to same fact
- 158 What matters may be proved in connection with proved statement relevant under section 32 or 33
- 159 Refreshing memory
- 160 Testimony to facts stated in document mentioned in section159
- 161 Right of adverse party as to writing used to refresh memory
- 162 Production of documents
- 163 Giving, as evidence, of document called for and produced on notice
- 164 Using, as evidence, of document production of which was refused on notice
- 165 Judge’s power to put questions or order production
- 166 Power of jury or assessors to put questions
