Section 128 of the Evidence Act 1995 should be construed broadly to permit cross-examination on credit even where answers may incriminate the witness, particularly where credit is central and the opposing party's credit is being impugned for similar conduct. However, the trial judge retains discretion to refuse if the cross-examination would not materially assist. Compound interest awarded as equitable compensation for breach of fiduciary duty must not be punitive; Schedule J rates with quarterly rests may be excessive and should be replaced with commercial rates on yearly rests where there is no evidence the fiduciary made profits exceeding those rates.
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