Where the prosecution relies on Edwards-type lies as evidence of guilt, and the defence disputes that certain statements were in fact lies, the trial judge must specifically identify for the jury the disputed factual question, direct attention to the evidence said to prove the lies, and clearly link any innocent explanations proffered by the defence to the Edwards direction. A mere summary of defence counsel's closing submissions on innocent explanations is insufficient; the trial judge must give a direction of law with the authority of the judicial office requiring the jury to consider those explanations when deciding whether lies can be used as evidence of guilt.
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