Tips on using video evidence in court.

Speaking as someone who, many years ago in a previous life (before Police - Camera - Action), was involved in the technical aspects of installing some of the first on-board video recording equipment in police vehicles, it is worth reminding readers that you cannot simply turn up in court with a DVD or memory stick and hope to have it accepted as evidence.

Any video evidence must be date and time tagged and fully auditable. However, the most important point is that it is all subject to the legal rules on disclosure. These can be complex and any failure to comply with those rules will result in your evidence being thrown out and possibly the other side's costs being awarded against you. Anyone considering using video evidence, especially if they are hoping its content may lead to the prosecution of another party, would do well to seek legal advice before going down that path.

Asked on 26 January 2013 by KB, Stowmarket, Suffolk

Answered by Honest John
Excellent point, well made.
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