Friday, 14 November 2025
Hearsay and Maker Unavailable
Tactical use and limits in domestic violence and sexual assault trials
Presented by Nick Chisnall KC, Augusta Chambers
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the legal framework and tactical use of hearsay evidence when the maker is unavailable
- Explore limits and admissibility of hearsay in domestic violence and sexual assault prosecutions
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
Annabel Cresswell, Barrister, Pohutukawa Chambers
Presenters
Nick Chisnall KC, Augusta Chambers
Nick is a barrister at Augusta Chambers. Before joining the bar, he was the Public Defence Service's General Counsel and oversaw the PDS's appeal practice. Before that, he was Crown Counsel at the Crown Law Office, where he undertook appeals on behalf of the Solicitor-General. He has appeared many times on behalf of both defendants and the Crown in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Nick is an experienced jury trial advocate, both as a senior Crown prosecutor and defence lawyer and has defended and prosecuted all types of serious criminal cases.
Annabel Cresswell, Director, Pohutukawa Chambers; President, Criminal Bar Association of New Zealand
Annabel specialises in serious criminal matters including murder, violent offending, sexual offences, terrorism, drug offending and criminal appeals, with more than 25 years’ experience practising exclusively in criminal law. As a Director and founder of Pohutukawa Chambers, Annabel’s work reflects the chamber’s vision of approaching every case with the appreciation of the human impact of criminal allegations, and exercising respect, dignity, and a commitment to high-quality representation. Annabel appears in complex jury trials and appellate matters throughout New Zealand and is approved to undertake Legal Aid PAL 1–4 and criminal appeal work. In addition to her advocacy practice, Annabel currently serves as President of the Criminal Bar Association, reflecting her standing within the profession and her long-standing commitment to improving access to justice and protecting fundamental legal rights. She is also the host of the popular criminal law podcast, “That’s Just Criminal”, where she explores contemporary issues in criminal justice and legal practice. Her combination of courtroom expertise, leadership and passion for criminal law makes her a highly sought-after speaker and commentator on criminal justice issues.
