A Weissensteiner direction must be confined to exceptional cases where the chain of reasoning is compelling, and is not appropriate where the accused has provided answers in an unsworn statement to at least some matters, where evidence could not rise above a denial, or where tactical reasons for not giving sworn evidence are apparent. Directions on lies must comply with Edwards v The Queen by identifying the material issue, explaining the need for the Crown to prove a deliberate falsehood, and not reversing the onus of proof. Section 38 of the Evidence Act 1995 is to be given its full effect and is not limited to cases of unexpected unfavourable evidence; however, once leave is granted and the witness's evidence is assessed as likely neutral, ss 135 and 137 must be considered, and the jury must be directed that lies told by such witnesses go only to credibility.
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