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Section 16 Canadian Evidence Act 1985

OTHER CANADIAN LAWS 1. Short title. 2. Application. 3. Interest or crime. 4. Accused and spouse. 5. Incriminating questions. 6. Evidence of person with physical disability. 6.1 Identification of accused. 7. Expert witnesses. 8. Handwriting comparison. 9. Adverse witnesses. 10. Cross-examination as to previous statements. 11. Cross-examination as to previous oral statements. 12. Examination as to previous convictions. 13. Who may administer oaths. 14. Solemn affirmation by witness instead of oath. 15. Solemn affirmation by deponent. 16. Witness whose capacity is in question. 16.1 Person under fourteen years of age. 17. Imperial Acts, etc. 18. Acts of Canada. 19. Copies by Queen’s Printer. 20. Imperial proclamations, etc. 21. Proclamations, etc., of Governor General. 22. Proclamations, etc., of lieutenant governor. 23. Evidence of judicial proceedings, etc. 24. Certified copies. 25. Books and documents. 26. Books kept in offices under Government of Canada. 27. Notarial acts in Quebec. 28. Notice of production of book or document. 29. Copies of entries. 30. Business records to be admitted in evidence. 31. Definitions. 31.1 Authentication of electronic documents. 31.2 Application of best evidence rule — electronic documents. 31.3 Presumption of integrity. 31.4 Presumptions regarding secure electronic signatures. 31.5 Standards may be considered. 31.6 Proof by affidavit. 31.7 Application. 31.8 Definitions. 32. Order signed by Secretary of State. 33. Proof of handwriting of person certifying. 34. Attesting witness. 35. Impounding of forged instrument. 36. Construction. 36.1 Definition of official. 37. Objection to disclosure of information. 37.1 Appeal to court of appeal. 37.2 Limitation periods for appeals to Supreme Court of Canada. 37.21 [Repealed, 2004, c. 12, s. 18] 37.3 Protection of right to a fair trial. 38. Definitions. 38.01 Notice to Attorney General of Canada. 38.02 Disclosure prohibited. 38.03 Authorization by Attorney General of Canada. 38.031 Disclosure agreement. 38.04 Application to Federal Court — Attorney General of Canada. 38.05 Report relating to proceedings. 38.06 Disclosure order. 38.07 Notice of order. 38.08 Automatic review. 38.09 Appeal to Federal Court of Appeal. 38.1 Limitation periods for appeals to Supreme Court of Canada. 38.11 Special rules — hearing in private. 38.12 Protective order. 38.13 Certificate of Attorney General of Canada. 38.131 Application for review of certificate. 38.14 Protection of right to a fair trial. 38.15 Fiat. 38.16 Regulations. 38.17 Annual report. 39. Objection relating to a confidence of the Queen’s Privy Council. 39.1 Definitions. 40. How applicable. 41. Solemn declaration. 42. Affidavits, etc. 43. Foreign courts. 44. Definitions. 45. Construction. 46. Order for examination of witness in Canada. 47. Enforcement of the order. 48. Expenses and conduct money. 49. Administering oath. 50. Right of refusal to answer or produce document. 51. Rules of court. 52. Application of this Part. 53. Oaths taken abroad. 54. Documents to be admitted in evidence. SCHEDULE – Designated Entities

Section 16 Canadian Evidence Act

Section 16 Canadian Evidence Act 1985 is about Witness whose capacity is in question. It is under Oaths and Solemn Affirmations of Part I of the act. The Evidence Act of Canada is an Act respecting witnesses and evidence.

Witness whose capacity is in question

(1) If a proposed witness is a person of fourteen years of age or older whose mental capacity is challenged, the court shall, before permitting the person to give evidence, conduct an inquiry to determine

See also  Section 4 Canadian Evidence Act 1985

(a) whether the person understands the nature of an oath or a solemn affirmation; and

(b) whether the person is able to communicate the evidence.

Testimony under oath or solemn affirmation

(2) A person referred to in subsection (1) who understands the nature of an oath or a solemn affirmation and is able to communicate the evidence shall testify under oath or solemn affirmation.

Testimony on promise to tell truth

(3) A person referred to in subsection (1) who does not understand the nature of an oath or a solemn affirmation but is able to communicate the evidence may, notwithstanding any provision of any Act requiring an oath or a solemn affirmation, testify on promising to tell the truth.

No questions regarding understanding of promise

(3.1) A person referred to in subsection (3) shall not be asked any questions regarding their understanding of the nature of the promise to tell the truth for the purpose of determining whether their evidence shall be received by the court.

Inability to testify

(4) A person referred to in subsection (1) who neither understands the nature of an oath or a solemn affirmation nor is able to communicate the evidence shall not testify.

Burden as to capacity of witness

(5) A party who challenges the mental capacity of a proposed witness of fourteen years of age or more has the burden of satisfying the court that there is an issue as to the capacity of the proposed witness to testify under an oath or a solemn affirmation.


See also:

Section 15 Canadian Evidence Act (Solemn affirmation by deponent)

Section 14 Canadian Evidence Act (Solemn affirmation by witness instead of oath)

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