PART 14ADMISSIONS, EVIDENCE AND DEPOSITIONS
Evidence
Evidence of witnesses – general rule14
1
The general rule is that any fact which needs to be proved by evidence of a witness is to be proved—
a
where there is a final hearing, by the witness's oral evidence; or
b
at any other hearing, or if there is no hearing, by the witness's evidence in writing.
2
Where a witness is called to give oral evidence under paragraph (1)(a), the witness statement of that witness shall stand as his or her evidence in chief unless the court directs otherwise.
3
A witness giving oral evidence at the final hearing may, if the court permits—
a
amplify his or her witness statement; and
b
give evidence in relation to new matters which have arisen since the witness statement was made.
4
The court may so permit only if it considers that there is good reason not to confine the evidence of the witness to the contents of the witness statement.
5
This rule is subject to—
a
any provision to the contrary in these Rules or elsewhere; or
b
any order or direction of the court.