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05related terms
May 2026reviewed
In detail
How brief of evidence works in practice.
The brief of evidence is the prosecution's file of materials supporting the charge. It typically includes the charge sheet, witness statements, CCTV footage or photographs, records of interview, and any expert reports. The prosecution is required to disclose the brief to the accused before a contested hearing or committal. Reading the brief carefully is a critical step in assessing the strength of the prosecution case, identifying weaknesses, and advising on how to run the matter. In summary matters the brief is sometimes called the preliminary brief or initial brief; a full brief is provided closer to the hearing.
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