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Question Details: I have been informed that in order to make a new statement, I must first retract my initial statement by saying that it was incorrect. However, I believe that everything in my initial statement was true. I just want to add to it.
Filed under Criminal Law | 1849 View(s)
Community Law Wellington & Hutt Valley
You may add to your previous statement or make a new statement. However you will generally be required to explain why there was a mistake in the first statement, or why there was something missing from it.
You need to be aware that by adding parts to your statement you run the risk of undermining the evidence that you may end up giving in court if the matter proceeds to a trial. You can be cross-examined on the changes you have made and the reasons why, which may undermine your credibility as a witness.
It is also important to note that formal written statements fall under the provisions relating to perjury (making untrue statements which a person knows to be false). If you do make a statement which you know to be false you could be liable for criminal prosecution, so it is really important that any statements made by you are completely truthful.
For more information on police powers of questioning see: www.communitylaw.org.nz.
Answered 16 Feb 2013. The IMPORTANT NOTICE below is part of this answer.
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