Prior Consistent Statements: Difference between revisions

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==General Principles==
==General Principles==
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Prior consistent statements are presumptively inadmissible.<Ref>R v Beland, [1987] 2 SCR 398, [http://canlii.ca/t/1ftm1 1987 CanLII 27] (SCC){{perSCC|McIntyre J}} at para 10-12<br>
Prior consistent statements are presumptively inadmissible.<Ref>R v Beland, [1987] 2 SCR 398, [http://canlii.ca/t/1ftm1 1987 CanLII 27] (SCC){{perSCC| J}} at para 10-12<br>
R v Stirling [http://canlii.ca/t/1w206 2008 SCC 10] (CanLII), [2008] S.C.J. No. 10 (S.C.C.){{perSCC|Bastarache J}}<br>
R v Stirling [http://canlii.ca/t/1w206 2008 SCC 10] (CanLII), [2008] S.C.J. No. 10 (S.C.C.){{perSCC| J}}<br>
R v Ellard, [http://canlii.ca/t/23w6b 2009 SCC 27] (CanLII){{perSCC|Abella J}}<Br>
R v Ellard, [http://canlii.ca/t/23w6b 2009 SCC 27] (CanLII){{perSCC| J}}<Br>
R v Evans, [http://canlii.ca/t/1fs19 1993 CanLII 102] (SCC), [1993] 2 SCR 629{{perSCC|Cory J}} at para 34</ref>  
R v Evans [http://canlii.ca/t/1fs19 1993 CanLII 102] (SCC), [1993] 2 SCR 629{{perSCC| J}} at para 34</ref>  


'''Purpose of Rule'''<Br>
'''Purpose of Rule'''<Br>
The prior statement is undesirable for several reasons. They are a form of hearsay and so like all hearsay are considered unreliable.<ref>R v Dinardo, [http://canlii.ca/t/1wtt2 2008 SCC 24] (CanLII), [2008] 1 SCR 788{{perSCC| J}}, at para 36</ref>  
The prior statement is undesirable for several reasons. They are a form of hearsay and so like all hearsay are considered unreliable.<ref>R v Dinardo, [http://canlii.ca/t/1wtt2 2008 SCC 24] (CanLII), [2008] 1 SCR 788{{perSCC|Charron J}}, at para 36</ref>  
They are also irrelevant and lacks probative value.<Ref>R v Pattison, [http://canlii.ca/t/fp0f5 2011 BCSC 1594] (CanLII), [2011] BCJ No. 2231{{perBCSC| J}} at para 12<br>
They are also irrelevant and lacks probative value.<Ref>R v Pattison, [http://canlii.ca/t/fp0f5 2011 BCSC 1594] (CanLII), [2011] BCJ No. 2231{{perBCSC|Holmes J}} at para 12<br>
Stirling{{supra}} at para 5<br>  
Stirling{{supra}} at para 5<br>  
Dinardo{{supra}} at para 36<Br>
Dinardo{{supra}} at para 36<Br>
</ref>  
</ref>  
It is a form of "oath-helping" (inappropriately) enhancing the evidence. It is self-serving and self-corroborative without actually adding any value to the evidence.  It encourages the inference that a story told consistently over time is more likely to be true even though “consistency is a quality just as agreeable to lies as to the truth”.<ref>  
It is a form of "oath-helping" (inappropriately) enhancing the evidence. It is self-serving and self-corroborative without actually adding any value to the evidence.  It encourages the inference that a story told consistently over time is more likely to be true even though “consistency is a quality just as agreeable to lies as to the truth”.<ref>  
R v L.(D.O.) [http://canlii.ca/t/1nzqx 1991 CanLII 2714] (MB CA), (1991), 6 C.R. (4th) 277 at 309 (Man. C.A.){{perMBCA| JA}}, rev’d [http://canlii.ca/t/1frxn 1993 CanLII 46] (SCC), (1993), 25 C.R. (4th) 285 (S.C.C.){{perSCC| J}}<br>
R v L.(D.O.) [http://canlii.ca/t/1nzqx 1991 CanLII 2714] (MB CA), (1991), 6 C.R. (4th) 277 at 309 (Man. C.A.){{perMBCA|O'Sullivan JA}}, rev’d [http://canlii.ca/t/1frxn 1993 CanLII 46] (SCC), (1993), 25 C.R. (4th) 285 (S.C.C.){{perSCC|L'Heureux‑Dubé J}}<br>
R v Toten [http://canlii.ca/t/1p79f 1993 CanLII 3427] (ON CA), (1993), 83 CCC (3d) 5 (Ont. C.A.){{perONCA| JA}} at 36 (PCS should be rejected  “not ... on any principle unique to prior consistent statements, but on the very practical assessment that, generally speaking, such evidence will not provide sufficient assistance to the trier of fact to warrant its admission.")<br>
R v Toten [http://canlii.ca/t/1p79f 1993 CanLII 3427] (ON CA), (1993), 83 CCC (3d) 5 (Ont. C.A.){{perONCA|Doherty JA}} at 36 (PCS should be rejected  “not ... on any principle unique to prior consistent statements, but on the very practical assessment that, generally speaking, such evidence will not provide sufficient assistance to the trier of fact to warrant its admission.")<br>
R v Divitaris, [http://canlii.ca/t/1h27t 2004 CanLII 9212] (ON CA), [2004] OJ No 1945 (ONCA){{perONCA| JA}} at para 28<br>
R v Divitaris, [http://canlii.ca/t/1h27t 2004 CanLII 9212] (ON CA), [2004] OJ No 1945 (ONCA){{perONCA|Feldman JA}} at para 28<br>
David M. Paciocco and Lee Steusser, The Law of Evidence, 2nd ed. (Toronto, Ont: Irwin Law, 1999) at 305  (“In most cases, the evidence is ... of no value.  It is redundant and potentially prejudicial to allow the testimony to be repeated.  It may gain false credence in the eyes of the trier of fact through the consistency with which it is asserted.")<br>
David M. Paciocco and Lee Steusser, The Law of Evidence, 2nd ed. (Toronto, Ont: Irwin Law, 1999) at 305  (“In most cases, the evidence is ... of no value.  It is redundant and potentially prejudicial to allow the testimony to be repeated.  It may gain false credence in the eyes of the trier of fact through the consistency with which it is asserted.")<br>
R v Y(MA), [http://canlii.ca/t/h3j5h 2017 CanLII 25291] (ON SC){{perONSC| J}}, at para 27 ("The rule against prior consistent statements is merely a manifestation of the general rule that evidence must be relevant to a material issue. ")<br>
R v Y(MA), [http://canlii.ca/t/h3j5h 2017 CanLII 25291] (ON SC){{perONSC|Bondy J}}, at para 27 ("The rule against prior consistent statements is merely a manifestation of the general rule that evidence must be relevant to a material issue. ")<br>
</ref>
</ref>


A statement can be seen as having two components. There is the "hearsay component" and there is the "declaration componenet".<ref>
A statement can be seen as having two components. There is the "hearsay component" and there is the "declaration componenet".<ref>
R v Khan, [http://canlii.ca/t/gxhb8 2017 ONCA 114] (CanLII){{perONCA| JA}} at para 13<br>
R v Khan, [http://canlii.ca/t/gxhb8 2017 ONCA 114] (CanLII){{perONCA|Hourigan JA}} at para 13<br>
</ref>
</ref>


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'''Implications'''<Br>
'''Implications'''<Br>
The rule against consistent statement prevents evidence from both the declarant and the recipient.<ref>
The rule against consistent statement prevents evidence from both the declarant and the recipient.<ref>
R v RRDG, [http://canlii.ca/t/g56f0 2014 NSSC 78] (CanLII){{perNSSC| J}} at para 105 citing Watt Manual of Evidence  
R v RRDG, [http://canlii.ca/t/g56f0 2014 NSSC 78] (CanLII){{perNSSC|Rosinski J}} at para 105 citing Watt Manual of Evidence  
</ref>
</ref>


It is not open to a witness give evidence my simply adopting a prior statement. The judge is entitled to hear all evidence directly from the witness.<ref>
It is not open to a witness give evidence my simply adopting a prior statement. The judge is entitled to hear all evidence directly from the witness.<ref>
R v Grey, [http://canlii.ca/t/fxf9n 2013 BCCA 232] (CanLII){{perBCCA| JA}} at para 43
R v Grey, [http://canlii.ca/t/fxf9n 2013 BCCA 232] (CanLII){{perBCCA|Frankel JA}} at para 43
</ref>
</ref>


'''Standard of Review'''<br>
'''Standard of Review'''<br>
A jury instruction on the use of a complainant's prior consistent statement is reviewed on a question of law.<Ref>
A jury instruction on the use of a complainant's prior consistent statement is reviewed on a question of law.<Ref>
R v Sarrazin, [http://canlii.ca/t/2chrm 2010 ONCA 577] (CanLII){{perONCA| JA}} at para 65<Br>
R v Sarrazin, [http://canlii.ca/t/2chrm 2010 ONCA 577] (CanLII){{perONCA|Doherty JA}} at para 65<Br>
R v Warren, [http://canlii.ca/t/gn7l6 2016 ONCA 104] (CanLII){{perONCA| JA}} at para 9<Br></ref>
R v Warren, [http://canlii.ca/t/gn7l6 2016 ONCA 104] (CanLII){{perONCA|Roberts JA}} at para 9<Br></ref>
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


==Exceptions==
==Exceptions==
Exceptions to the prohibition against admitting prior consistent statements include:<ref>
Exceptions to the prohibition against admitting prior consistent statements include:<ref>
R v RRDG, [http://canlii.ca/t/g56f0 2014 NSSC 78] (CanLII){{perNSSC| J}} at para 105 citing Watt Manual of Evidence  
R v RRDG, [http://canlii.ca/t/g56f0 2014 NSSC 78] (CanLII){{perNSSC|Rosinski J}} at para 105 citing Watt Manual of Evidence  
</ref>
</ref>
*Rebutting allegation of recent fabrication<Ref>R v Stirling, [http://canlii.ca/t/1w206 2008 SCC 10] (CanLII) at para 7<br></ref>
*Rebutting allegation of recent fabrication<Ref>R v Stirling, [http://canlii.ca/t/1w206 2008 SCC 10] (CanLII){{perSCC|Bastarache J}} at para 7<br></ref>
*Prior eyewitness identification
*Prior eyewitness identification
*Recent complaint
*Recent complaint
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Where a prior consistent statement is admissible it can only be used to rehabilitate the witness, which also means it can only go to credibility.<ref>
Where a prior consistent statement is admissible it can only be used to rehabilitate the witness, which also means it can only go to credibility.<ref>
R v Almasi, [http://canlii.ca/t/grn12 2016 ONSC 2943] (CanLII), at para 40 ("The statement is only admissible for the purpose of rehabilitating the witness.  In other words, the prior consistent statement can only go credibility")<br>
R v Almasi, [http://canlii.ca/t/grn12 2016 ONSC 2943] (CanLII){{perONSC|Goldstein J}}, at para 40 ("The statement is only admissible for the purpose of rehabilitating the witness.  In other words, the prior consistent statement can only go credibility")<br>
see also R v O'Connor, [http://canlii.ca/t/6jjt 1995 CanLII 255] (ON CA){{perONCA| JA}}
see also R v O'Connor, [http://canlii.ca/t/6jjt 1995 CanLII 255] (ON CA){{perONCA|Finlayson JA}}
</ref>
</ref>


Where the statement is admitted it must usually be accompanied by a limiting jury instruction.<Ref>
Where the statement is admitted it must usually be accompanied by a limiting jury instruction.<Ref>
R v JEF, [http://canlii.ca/t/fqmzd 2012 ONCA 177] (CanLII), [1993] OJ No 2589 (ONCA){{perONCA| JA}}</ref>
R v JEF, [http://canlii.ca/t/fqmzd 2012 ONCA 177] (CanLII), [1993] OJ No 2589 (ONCA){{perONCA|Watt JA}}</ref>


When the prior consistent statement is received, it will not normally be for the truth of its contents but rather as circumstantial evidence of importance to the proceedings.<ref>
When the prior consistent statement is received, it will not normally be for the truth of its contents but rather as circumstantial evidence of importance to the proceedings.<ref>
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==Prior Eyewitness Identification==
==Prior Eyewitness Identification==
Prior recordings of extemporaneous observations of a witness being tendered for the purpose of establishing recognition of the accused, is a permissible form of prior consistent statements.<ref>
Prior recordings of extemporaneous observations of a witness being tendered for the purpose of establishing recognition of the accused, is a permissible form of prior consistent statements.<ref>
R v Langille, (1990) 59 CCC (3d) 544, [http://canlii.ca/t/g1bqq 1990 CanLII 6782] (ON CA){{perONCA| JA}}, per Osborne JA, at 556 (Ont.C.A.)<br>
R v Langille, (1990) 59 CCC (3d) 544, [http://canlii.ca/t/g1bqq 1990 CanLII 6782] (ON CA){{perONCA|Osborne JA}}, at 556 (Ont.C.A.)<br>
R v Tat, [1997] O.J. No. 3579 (C.A.), [http://canlii.ca/t/6hgr 1997 CanLII 2234] (ON CA){{perONCA| JA}}, per Doherty JA at paras. 35<br>
R v Tat, [1997] O.J. No. 3579 (C.A.), [http://canlii.ca/t/6hgr 1997 CanLII 2234] (ON CA){{perONCA| JA}}, per Doherty JA at paras. 35<br>
R v Downey, [http://canlii.ca/t/hrjs4 2018 NSCA 33] (CanLII){{perNSCA| JA}}, at para 84<Br>
R v Downey, [http://canlii.ca/t/hrjs4 2018 NSCA 33] (CanLII){{perNSCA|Saunders JA}}, at para 84<Br>
E.G. Ewaschuk, Criminal Pleadings & Practice in Canada, loose-leaf (consulted on 12 March 2018),
E.G. Ewaschuk, Criminal Pleadings & Practice in Canada, loose-leaf (consulted on 12 March 2018),
(Toronto, Ont.: Thomson Reuters, 2017) Ch. 16, pp. 16-196-197 ("A prior statement identifying or “describing the accused” is admissible as original
(Toronto, Ont.: Thomson Reuters, 2017) Ch. 16, pp. 16-196-197 ("A prior statement identifying or “describing the accused” is admissible as original
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==Recent Fabrication==
==Recent Fabrication==


The allegation of recent fabrication does not need to be explicit. There only needs be to an "apparent position" alleging a "prior contrivance".<ref>R v KT, [http://canlii.ca/t/fx5wz 2013 ONCA 257] (CanLII){{perONCA| JA}} at para 37<br>
The allegation of recent fabrication does not need to be explicit. There only needs be to an "apparent position" alleging a "prior contrivance".<ref>R v KT, [http://canlii.ca/t/fx5wz 2013 ONCA 257] (CanLII){{perONCA|Watt JA}} at para 37<br>
R v Stirling at para 5<br>
R v Stirling, [http://canlii.ca/t/1w206 2008 SCC 10] (CanLII){{perSCC|Bastarache J}} at para 5<br>
R v Ellard, [http://canlii.ca/t/23w6b 2009 SCC 27] (CanLII){{perSCC| J}} at para 32<br>
R v Ellard, [http://canlii.ca/t/23w6b 2009 SCC 27] (CanLII){{perSCC|Abella J}} at para 32<br>
</ref> However, mere contradiction of the witness is not sufficient.<Ref>
</ref> However, mere contradiction of the witness is not sufficient.<Ref>
KT{{supra}} at para 37<br>
KT{{supra}} at para 37<br>
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If a cross-examination suggests, either directly or indirectly, that a witness fabricated evidence and has reason or motive to do so, the party who called the witness may re-examine and lead evidence on a prior statement being consistent with the evidence in court.<ref>
If a cross-examination suggests, either directly or indirectly, that a witness fabricated evidence and has reason or motive to do so, the party who called the witness may re-examine and lead evidence on a prior statement being consistent with the evidence in court.<ref>
R v Kailayapillai, [http://canlii.ca/t/fx43k 2013 ONCA 248] (CanLII){{perONCA| JA}} at para 40<br>
R v Kailayapillai, [http://canlii.ca/t/fx43k 2013 ONCA 248] (CanLII){{perONCA|Doherty JA}} at para 40<br>
see R v Wannebo (1972), 7 CCC (2d) 266 (BCCA), [http://canlii.ca/t/gdhpg 1972 CanLII 1440] (BC CA){{perBCCA| JA}} per MacFarlane JA<br>
see R v Wannebo (1972), 7 CCC (2d) 266 (BCCA), [http://canlii.ca/t/gdhpg 1972 CanLII 1440] (BC CA){{perBCCA|McFarlane JA}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


Recent fabrication exception requires the circumstances to show that the "apparent position of the opposing party is that there has been a prior contrivance"<ref>
Recent fabrication exception requires the circumstances to show that the "apparent position of the opposing party is that there has been a prior contrivance"<ref>
R v Evans, [http://canlii.ca/t/1fs19 1993 CanLII 102] (SCC), [1993] 2 SCR 629{{perSCC| J}}, per Cory J, at p. 643<br>
R v Evans, [http://canlii.ca/t/1fs19 1993 CanLII 102] (SCC), [1993] 2 SCR 629{{perSCC|Cory J}}, at p. 643<br>
R v Stirling, [2008] 1 SCR 272, [http://canlii.ca/t/1w206 2008 SCC 10] (CanLII){{perSCC| J}}, per Bastarache J, at para 5<br>
R v Stirling, [2008] 1 SCR 272, [http://canlii.ca/t/1w206 2008 SCC 10] (CanLII){{perSCC|Bastarache J}}, at para 5<br>
</ref> Also, the prior statement was made "before a motivation to fabricate arose".<ref>
</ref> Also, the prior statement was made "before a motivation to fabricate arose".<ref>
Stirling{{ibid}}, at para 5<br>
Stirling{{ibid}}, at para 5<br>
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The fact that the witness's "whole story" is being challenged does not necessarily mean that there is an allegation of recent fabrication.<ref>
The fact that the witness's "whole story" is being challenged does not necessarily mean that there is an allegation of recent fabrication.<ref>
R v Campbell, [http://canlii.ca/t/g1bwt 1977 CanLII 1191] (ON CA), (1977) 17 O.R. (2d) 673 (Ont. C.A.){{perONCA| JA}}, per Martin JA, ("...the fact that the whole story of a witness is challenged does not, by itself, constitute an allegation of recent fabrication: see Fox v General Medical Council, supra, at p. 1026.")<br>
R v Campbell, [http://canlii.ca/t/g1bwt 1977 CanLII 1191] (ON CA), (1977) 17 O.R. (2d) 673 (Ont. C.A.){{perONCA|Martin JA}}, ("...the fact that the whole story of a witness is challenged does not, by itself, constitute an allegation of recent fabrication: see Fox v General Medical Council, supra, at p. 1026.")<br>
</ref>
</ref>


The "recency" element only requires that the witness made up a false story after the event in consideration.<ref>
The "recency" element only requires that the witness made up a false story after the event in consideration.<ref>
R v O'Connor, [http://canlii.ca/t/6jjt 1995 CanLII 255] (ON CA), (1995), 100 CCC (3d) 285 (Ont. C.A.){{perONCA| JA}}, at pp. 294‑95<br>
R v O'Connor, [http://canlii.ca/t/6jjt 1995 CanLII 255] (ON CA), (1995), 100 CCC (3d) 285 (Ont. C.A.){{perONCA|Finalyson JA}}, at pp. 294‑95<br>
R v JAT, [http://canlii.ca/t/fqmzd 2012 ONCA 177] (CanLII), [2012] O.J. No. 1208{{perONCA| JA}}, per Watt JA, at para 98<br>
R v JAT, [http://canlii.ca/t/fqmzd 2012 ONCA 177] (CanLII), [2012] O.J. No. 1208{{perONCA|Watt JA}}, at para 98<br>
R v Ellard, at para 33<br>
Ellard{{supra}}, at para 33<br>
</ref> It not not actually need to be "recent" to the testimony.<ref>
</ref> It not not actually need to be "recent" to the testimony.<ref>
R v Stirling, [http://canlii.ca/t/1w206 2008 SCC 10] (CanLII){{perSCC| J}}, per Bastarache J, at para 5<br>
R v Stirling, [http://canlii.ca/t/1w206 2008 SCC 10] (CanLII){{perSCC|Bastarache J}}, at para 5<br>
R v KT, [http://canlii.ca/t/fx5wz 2013 ONCA 257] (CanLII){{perONCA| JA}}, per Watt JA, at para 36<Br>
R v KT, [http://canlii.ca/t/fx5wz 2013 ONCA 257] (CanLII){{perONCA|Watt JA}}, at para 36<Br>
</ref>
</ref>


A "fabrication" can refer to evidence that the witness was influenced by outside sources.<ref>
A "fabrication" can refer to evidence that the witness was influenced by outside sources.<ref>
R v JAT at para 98 citing R v Ellard, at para 33<br>
JAT{{supra}} at para 98 citing Ellard{{supra}}, at para 33<br>
R v B. (A.J.), [http://canlii.ca/t/1frkl 1995 CanLII 94] (SCC), [1995] 2 SCR 413{{perSCC| J}}, per Sopinka J, at para 1<br>
R v B. (A.J.), [http://canlii.ca/t/1frkl 1995 CanLII 94] (SCC), [1995] 2 SCR 413{{perSCC|Sopinka J}}, at para 1<br>
</ref>
</ref>


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This rule can apply to rebut allegations of concoction to an accused who is incarcerated with a co-accused.<ref>
This rule can apply to rebut allegations of concoction to an accused who is incarcerated with a co-accused.<ref>
see R v Divitaris [http://canlii.ca/t/1h27t 2004 CanLII 9212] (ON CA), (2004), 188 CCC (3d) 390 (Ont. C.A.){{perONCA| JA}}, per Feldman JA, at para 37
see R v Divitaris [http://canlii.ca/t/1h27t 2004 CanLII 9212] (ON CA), (2004), 188 CCC (3d) 390 (Ont. C.A.){{perONCA|Feldman JA}}, at para 37
</ref>
</ref>


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A spontaneous and exculpatory statement of the accused shortly after arrest may be admitted to "show the accused's reaction when first confronted with the allegation, provided the accused testifies".<ref>
A spontaneous and exculpatory statement of the accused shortly after arrest may be admitted to "show the accused's reaction when first confronted with the allegation, provided the accused testifies".<ref>
R v KT, [http://canlii.ca/t/fx5wz 2013 ONCA 257] (CanLII){{perONCA| JA}} at para 34<br>
R v KT, [http://canlii.ca/t/fx5wz 2013 ONCA 257] (CanLII){{perONCA|Watt JA}} at para 34<br>
R v Edgar, [http://canlii.ca/t/2br4d 2010 ONCA 529] (CanLII){{perONCA| JA}} at para 24<br>
R v Edgar, [http://canlii.ca/t/2br4d 2010 ONCA 529] (CanLII){{perONCA|Sharpe JA}} at para 24<br>
</ref>
</ref>


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== Narrative ==
== Narrative ==
A prior consistent statement may be admitted as part of the narrative.<ref>
A prior consistent statement may be admitted as part of the narrative.<ref>
c.f. R v RRDG, [http://canlii.ca/t/g56f0 2014 NSSC 78] (CanLII){{perNSSC| J}} at para 105 citing Watt Manual of Evidence for the rule against narrative
c.f. R v RRDG, [http://canlii.ca/t/g56f0 2014 NSSC 78] (CanLII){{perNSSC|Rosinski J}} at para 105 citing Watt Manual of Evidence for the rule against narrative
</ref>
</ref>


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Acceptance of this evidence should be on condition of having no wieght and cannot be used to bolster credibility.<ref>
Acceptance of this evidence should be on condition of having no wieght and cannot be used to bolster credibility.<ref>
Y(MA){{ibid}} at para 31<br>
Y(MA){{ibid}} at para 31<br>
R v Khan, [http://canlii.ca/t/gxhb8 2017 ONCA 114] (CanLII){{perONCA| JA}}, at para. 30<br>
R v Khan, [http://canlii.ca/t/gxhb8 2017 ONCA 114] (CanLII){{perONCA|Hourigan JA}}, at para. 30<br>
R. v. C. (M.), at para. 65<br>
R. v. C. (M.){{supra}}, at para. 65<br>
R. v. A.E.R., [http://canlii.ca/t/1fg0x 2001 CanLII 11579] (ON CA){{perONCA| JA}}<br>
R. v. A.E.R., [http://canlii.ca/t/1fg0x 2001 CanLII 11579] (ON CA){{perONCA|MacPherson JA}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


In most instances this type of evidence is admissible for the purpose of showing how the complaint came before the court or to provide context to an admissible statement.<ref>
In most instances this type of evidence is admissible for the purpose of showing how the complaint came before the court or to provide context to an admissible statement.<ref>
Y(MA){{ibid}} at para 31<br>
Y(MA){{ibid}} at para 31<br>
R. v. F. (J.E.), [http://canlii.ca/t/1npp3 1993 CanLII 3384] (ON CA){{perONCA| JA}}<br>
R. v. F. (J.E.), [http://canlii.ca/t/1npp3 1993 CanLII 3384] (ON CA){{perONCA|Finlayson JA}}<br>
R. v. George, [http://canlii.ca/t/22kk6 1985 CanLII 657] (BC CA){{perBCCA| JA}}<br>
R. v. George, [http://canlii.ca/t/22kk6 1985 CanLII 657] (BC CA){{perBCCA|MacFarlane JA}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


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</ref>
</ref>
It can also be used as narrative to explain why the complainant did not initially report any abuse.<ref>
It can also be used as narrative to explain why the complainant did not initially report any abuse.<ref>
R v DGS, [http://canlii.ca/t/fqc32 2012 MBQB 19] (CanLII){{perMBQB| J}} at paras 12 to 14<br>
R v DGS, [http://canlii.ca/t/fqc32 2012 MBQB 19] (CanLII){{perMBQB|Spivak J}} at paras 12 to 14<br>
</ref>
</ref>



Revision as of 22:24, 26 December 2018

General Principles

Prior consistent statements are presumptively inadmissible.[1]

Purpose of Rule
The prior statement is undesirable for several reasons. They are a form of hearsay and so like all hearsay are considered unreliable.[2] They are also irrelevant and lacks probative value.[3] It is a form of "oath-helping" (inappropriately) enhancing the evidence. It is self-serving and self-corroborative without actually adding any value to the evidence. It encourages the inference that a story told consistently over time is more likely to be true even though “consistency is a quality just as agreeable to lies as to the truth”.[4]

A statement can be seen as having two components. There is the "hearsay component" and there is the "declaration componenet".[5]

The rule "comes into play when the statement is being adduce for its declaration component" (i.e. the fact that the statement was made, not for the truth of the statement). This fact must be shown to be relevant to the case to overcome the prohibition.[6]

Implications
The rule against consistent statement prevents evidence from both the declarant and the recipient.[7]

It is not open to a witness give evidence my simply adopting a prior statement. The judge is entitled to hear all evidence directly from the witness.[8]

Standard of Review
A jury instruction on the use of a complainant's prior consistent statement is reviewed on a question of law.[9]

  1. R v Beland, [1987] 2 SCR 398, 1987 CanLII 27 (SCC), per McIntyre J at para 10-12
    R v Stirling 2008 SCC 10 (CanLII), [2008] S.C.J. No. 10 (S.C.C.), per Bastarache J
    R v Ellard, 2009 SCC 27 (CanLII), per Abella J
    R v Evans, 1993 CanLII 102 (SCC), [1993] 2 SCR 629, per Cory J at para 34
  2. R v Dinardo, 2008 SCC 24 (CanLII), [2008] 1 SCR 788, per Charron J, at para 36
  3. R v Pattison, 2011 BCSC 1594 (CanLII), [2011] BCJ No. 2231, per Holmes J at para 12
    Stirling, supra at para 5
    Dinardo, supra at para 36
  4. R v L.(D.O.) 1991 CanLII 2714 (MB CA), (1991), 6 C.R. (4th) 277 at 309 (Man. C.A.), per O'Sullivan JA, rev’d 1993 CanLII 46 (SCC), (1993), 25 C.R. (4th) 285 (S.C.C.), per L'Heureux‑Dubé J
    R v Toten 1993 CanLII 3427 (ON CA), (1993), 83 CCC (3d) 5 (Ont. C.A.), per Doherty JA at 36 (PCS should be rejected “not ... on any principle unique to prior consistent statements, but on the very practical assessment that, generally speaking, such evidence will not provide sufficient assistance to the trier of fact to warrant its admission.")
    R v Divitaris, 2004 CanLII 9212 (ON CA), [2004] OJ No 1945 (ONCA), per Feldman JA at para 28
    David M. Paciocco and Lee Steusser, The Law of Evidence, 2nd ed. (Toronto, Ont: Irwin Law, 1999) at 305 (“In most cases, the evidence is ... of no value. It is redundant and potentially prejudicial to allow the testimony to be repeated. It may gain false credence in the eyes of the trier of fact through the consistency with which it is asserted.")
    R v Y(MA), 2017 CanLII 25291 (ON SC), per Bondy J, at para 27 ("The rule against prior consistent statements is merely a manifestation of the general rule that evidence must be relevant to a material issue. ")
  5. R v Khan, 2017 ONCA 114 (CanLII), per Hourigan JA at para 13
  6. Y(MA), ibid. at para 27
  7. R v RRDG, 2014 NSSC 78 (CanLII), per Rosinski J at para 105 citing Watt Manual of Evidence
  8. R v Grey, 2013 BCCA 232 (CanLII), per Frankel JA at para 43
  9. R v Sarrazin, 2010 ONCA 577 (CanLII), per Doherty JA at para 65
    R v Warren, 2016 ONCA 104 (CanLII), per Roberts JA at para 9

Exceptions

Exceptions to the prohibition against admitting prior consistent statements include:[1]

  • Rebutting allegation of recent fabrication[2]
  • Prior eyewitness identification
  • Recent complaint
  • Show physical or mental state of accused (res gestae)[3]
  • Narrative
  • emotional state of the complainant or witness
  • Statements made on arrest
  • Explanation of accused in possession of illegal goods
  • Admission of video complaints (s.715.1, see Video Statement of Under 18 Year Old)

Where a prior consistent statement is admissible it can only be used to rehabilitate the witness, which also means it can only go to credibility.[4]

Where the statement is admitted it must usually be accompanied by a limiting jury instruction.[5]

When the prior consistent statement is received, it will not normally be for the truth of its contents but rather as circumstantial evidence of importance to the proceedings.[6]

  1. R v RRDG, 2014 NSSC 78 (CanLII), per Rosinski J at para 105 citing Watt Manual of Evidence
  2. R v Stirling, 2008 SCC 10 (CanLII), per Bastarache J at para 7
  3. R v MC, 2014 ONCA 611 (CanLII), per Watt JA at para. 3 ("Where prior consistent statements are admitted as circumstantial evidence, the statement is not received as evidence of the truth of its contents, rather only to establish that the statement was made. That the statement was made may afford circumstantial evidence of some fact of importance in the proceeding, as for example the declarant’s state of mind.")
    R v Edgar, 2010 ONCA 529 (CanLII), per Sharpe JA, at para 35
  4. R v Almasi, 2016 ONSC 2943 (CanLII), per Goldstein J, at para 40 ("The statement is only admissible for the purpose of rehabilitating the witness. In other words, the prior consistent statement can only go credibility")
    see also R v O'Connor, 1995 CanLII 255 (ON CA), per Finlayson JA
  5. R v JEF, 2012 ONCA 177 (CanLII), [1993] OJ No 2589 (ONCA), per Watt JA
  6. MC, supra at para 3

Prior Eyewitness Identification

Prior recordings of extemporaneous observations of a witness being tendered for the purpose of establishing recognition of the accused, is a permissible form of prior consistent statements.[1]

This type of evidence may be used to give credence to in-court identification.[2]

Statements of prior identification are not considered hearsay.[3]

  1. R v Langille, (1990) 59 CCC (3d) 544, 1990 CanLII 6782 (ON CA), per Osborne JA, at 556 (Ont.C.A.)
    R v Tat, [1997] O.J. No. 3579 (C.A.), 1997 CanLII 2234 (ON CA), per JA, per Doherty JA at paras. 35
    R v Downey, 2018 NSCA 33 (CanLII), per Saunders JA, at para 84
    E.G. Ewaschuk, Criminal Pleadings & Practice in Canada, loose-leaf (consulted on 12 March 2018), (Toronto, Ont.: Thomson Reuters, 2017) Ch. 16, pp. 16-196-197 ("A prior statement identifying or “describing the accused” is admissible as original evidence where the identifying witness identifies the accused at trial as the person in question. ")
  2. Downey, supra at para 85
    David M. Paciocco & Lee Stuesser, The Law of Evidence, 7th ed. (Toronto: Irwin Law, 2015) at p. 146
  3. Downey, supra at para 86
    Tat, supra at para 35

Recent Fabrication

The allegation of recent fabrication does not need to be explicit. There only needs be to an "apparent position" alleging a "prior contrivance".[1] However, mere contradiction of the witness is not sufficient.[2]

If a cross-examination suggests, either directly or indirectly, that a witness fabricated evidence and has reason or motive to do so, the party who called the witness may re-examine and lead evidence on a prior statement being consistent with the evidence in court.[3]

Recent fabrication exception requires the circumstances to show that the "apparent position of the opposing party is that there has been a prior contrivance"[4] Also, the prior statement was made "before a motivation to fabricate arose".[5]

The fact that the witness's "whole story" is being challenged does not necessarily mean that there is an allegation of recent fabrication.[6]

The "recency" element only requires that the witness made up a false story after the event in consideration.[7] It not not actually need to be "recent" to the testimony.[8]

A "fabrication" can refer to evidence that the witness was influenced by outside sources.[9]

The prior statement is not adduced for the truth of their contents.[10]

This rule can apply to rebut allegations of concoction to an accused who is incarcerated with a co-accused.[11]

Where a prior consistent statement is allowed in evidence on a jury trial, the jury must be given a limiting instruction on the use of the prior statement. [12]

Rebutting Credibility Attack
A judge may refer to a prior consistent statement for the purpose of evaluating a defence allegation against credibility on account of a prior inconsistent statement on the same point of fact.[13]


  1. R v KT, 2013 ONCA 257 (CanLII), per Watt JA at para 37
    R v Stirling, 2008 SCC 10 (CanLII), per Bastarache J at para 5
    R v Ellard, 2009 SCC 27 (CanLII), per Abella J at para 32
  2. KT, supra at para 37
    Ellard, supra at para 33
  3. R v Kailayapillai, 2013 ONCA 248 (CanLII), per Doherty JA at para 40
    see R v Wannebo (1972), 7 CCC (2d) 266 (BCCA), 1972 CanLII 1440 (BC CA), per McFarlane JA
  4. R v Evans, 1993 CanLII 102 (SCC), [1993] 2 SCR 629, per Cory J, at p. 643
    R v Stirling, [2008] 1 SCR 272, 2008 SCC 10 (CanLII), per Bastarache J, at para 5
  5. Stirling, ibid., at para 5
    Ellard, supra, at paras 32‑33
  6. R v Campbell, 1977 CanLII 1191 (ON CA), (1977) 17 O.R. (2d) 673 (Ont. C.A.), per Martin JA, ("...the fact that the whole story of a witness is challenged does not, by itself, constitute an allegation of recent fabrication: see Fox v General Medical Council, supra, at p. 1026.")
  7. R v O'Connor, 1995 CanLII 255 (ON CA), (1995), 100 CCC (3d) 285 (Ont. C.A.), per Finalyson JA, at pp. 294‑95
    R v JAT, 2012 ONCA 177 (CanLII), [2012] O.J. No. 1208, per Watt JA, at para 98
    Ellard, supra, at para 33
  8. R v Stirling, 2008 SCC 10 (CanLII), per Bastarache J, at para 5
    R v KT, 2013 ONCA 257 (CanLII), per Watt JA, at para 36
  9. JAT, supra at para 98 citing Ellard, supra, at para 33
    R v B. (A.J.), 1995 CanLII 94 (SCC), [1995] 2 SCR 413, per Sopinka J, at para 1
  10. JAT, supra at para 98
  11. see R v Divitaris 2004 CanLII 9212 (ON CA), (2004), 188 CCC (3d) 390 (Ont. C.A.), per Feldman JA, at para 37
  12. Divitaris, ibid. at para 31
  13. R v Noftall, 2018 ONCA 538 (CanLII), per curiam at para 18

State of Mind

A prior consistent statement can be admissible, for its declaratory value, as circumstantial evidence showing the state of mind of a witness as long as it relates to a trial issue.[1]

  1. R v Edgar, 2010 ONCA 529 (CanLII), per Sharpe JA, per Sharpe JA
    R v Zou, 2017 ONCA 90 (CanLII), per Doherty JA, at para. 48
    Y(MA), supra at para 30

Spontaneous Utterance

A spontaneous and exculpatory statement of the accused shortly after arrest may be admitted to "show the accused's reaction when first confronted with the allegation, provided the accused testifies".[1]

  1. R v KT, 2013 ONCA 257 (CanLII), per Watt JA at para 34
    R v Edgar, 2010 ONCA 529 (CanLII), per Sharpe JA at para 24

Narrative

A prior consistent statement may be admitted as part of the narrative.[1]

The evidence may be admissible as narrative evidence where it is necessary to "help the trier of fact to understand the case and to make the material facts more comprehensible".[2] Acceptance of this evidence should be on condition of having no wieght and cannot be used to bolster credibility.[3]

In most instances this type of evidence is admissible for the purpose of showing how the complaint came before the court or to provide context to an admissible statement.[4]

In a jury trial, the trial judge should give instructions that this narrative evidence can only be used is to "assist them in assessing complainant’s credibility, in certain circumstances, particularly where the complainant is a child, and they are not to use the statements as evidence of the truth of their contents."[5]

Where it is admitted for this purpose in a sexual assault case, it can only be used to help the trier of fact "understand how a complainant’s story was first disclosed"[6] It can also be used as narrative to explain why the complainant did not initially report any abuse.[7]

  1. c.f. R v RRDG, 2014 NSSC 78 (CanLII), per Rosinski J at para 105 citing Watt Manual of Evidence for the rule against narrative
  2. R v Y(MA), 2017 CanLII 25291 (ON SC), per Bondy J, at para 31
  3. Y(MA), ibid. at para 31
    R v Khan, 2017 ONCA 114 (CanLII), per Hourigan JA, at para. 30
    R. v. C. (M.), supra, at para. 65
    R. v. A.E.R., 2001 CanLII 11579 (ON CA), per MacPherson JA
  4. Y(MA), ibid. at para 31
    R. v. F. (J.E.), 1993 CanLII 3384 (ON CA), per Finlayson JA
    R. v. George, 1985 CanLII 657 (BC CA), per MacFarlane JA
  5. R v Dinardo, 2008 SCC 24 (CanLII), per Charron J at para 37
    R v Henrich, 1996 CanLII 2057 (ON CA), per Osborne JA at p. 746
    R v Fair, 1993 CanLII 3384 (ON CA), per Finlayson JA at pp. 20-21
  6. R v Dinardo, supra, at para 37 R v Fair, supra, at pp. 20-21
    R v Henrich, supra at p. 746
  7. R v DGS, 2012 MBQB 19 (CanLII), per Spivak J at paras 12 to 14

See Also