Friday, 5 September 2025
Assessing the Admissibility of Evidence
- What is admissible evidence
- Facts
- Opinion: when admissible, and from whom
- Rules you must know under the Evidence Act 2006
- What is inadmissible evidence?
- Cross examination structure of questions, sequence
- Objections:
- When to take them at trial, and how
- Raising them with your opponent: Is there any point?
- Dealing with devices some judges use to avoid giving a ruling during a trial: such as de bene esse
- Problems caused when judges avoid or reserve ruling on objections to evidence
Presented by Paul Dalkie, Barrister
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
* This interactive online recording includes questions and quizzes requiring critical thinking about the topics, so you have no annual limits to the number of points/hours you can claim with this format of learning. Please verify with your CPD rules
Chair
Jacque Lethbridge, Partner, Martelli McKegg Lawyers
Learning Objectives:
- Identify what qualifies as admissible and inadmissible evidence under the Evidence Act 2006
- Gain practical insights into cross-examination structure, objections, and judicial rulings on evidence
*Original Content was created in August 2024
Presenters
Paul Dalkie, BarristerPaul Dalkie has practised as a barrister for more than 24 years in New Zealand and Australia. He appears in and has appeared in a wide range of civil and commercial cases and arbitrations. Prior to becoming a barrister he practised as a solicitor in Queensland for more than 8 years including at two global firms Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst) and Cannan & Peterson, Sly & Weigall (now Norton Rose Fullbright). He has appeared and argued cases and conducted trials and appeals at all Court's levels, including the Privy Council. His practice has particular emphasis on contract disputes of all kinds, and corporate law, especially insolvency and shareholders and directors disputes. He is admitted to practice in New Zealand, Queensland and Victoria, and in the Federal Courts of Australia.
Jacque Lethbridge, Partner, Martelli McKegg Lawyers
Jacque Lethbridge is a senior litigation partner and heads up the Disputes Resolution team at Martelli McKegg Lawyers. With over 20 years of experience across complex commercial litigation, financial services disputes, regulatory investigations and trust and property litigation, Jacque brings a deep understanding of both the courtroom and boardroom dimensions of legal practice. A trusted advisor to clients navigating high-stakes disputes, Jacque’s expertise spans High Court and appellate work, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Jacque is recognised for her expertise in contentious litigation, restructuring and insolvency work and has held various industry board positions including with the Restructuring and Insolvency Turnaround Association of New Zealand and The Law Association of New Zealand. She is actively involved in promoting and encouraging diversity in the legal profession and insolvency area and was a founding member and co-chair of Women in Restructuring and Insolvency. Jacque has been a regular speaker at seminars and conferences including for Legalwise Seminars, The Law Association, The New Zealand Law Society Litigation Skills and the College of Law.
