REVERSE DISCLOSURE IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES – Already this is problematic. Justice Breen decided that the complainant must testify in chief before the defence has to present the evidence in a mid-trial hearing of admissability. “Reverse disclosure by defence lawyers who say that exposing their defence material in advance will undermine fair trials. With the complainants being permitted access to defence records and their trial strategy in advance, the witness could “tailor” testimony to avoid impeachment.” and “This combination of new rules passed by Bill C-51 combined with the elimination of preliminary hearings by Bill C-75 could make sexual assault trials even more difficult to complete within the time limits set by Supreme Court in the Jordan ruling.” Thank you JWR.

“The integrity of a witness and the credibility of their testimony are brought into question when they gain access to relevant information prior to testifying.”

Source: Ontario judge rules that sexual assault trials need to balance the rights of accused – The Post Millennial