Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Evidence Act 1958 - SECT 36

Witness may be cross-examined as to written statements without producing them

36. Witness may be cross-examined as to written statements without producing
them

A witness may be cross-examined as to previous statements made by him in
writing or reduced into writing relative to the subject-matter of the cause or
prosecution without such writing being shown to him. But if it is intended to
contradict such witness by the writing, his attention must before such
contradictory proof can be given be called to those parts of the writing which
are to be used for the purpose of so contradicting him: Provided always that
it shall be competent for the court at any time during the trial or inquiry to
require the production of the writing for inspection and the court may
thereupon make such use of it for the purposes of the trial or inquiry as the
court thinks fit.