Section 287 CrPC: Parties Examining Witnesses
This section of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) deals with the procedure for examining witnesses by the parties in a criminal trial.
1. Code
Section 287: Examination of witnesses by parties.
When the examination of the witnesses produced by the prosecution is concluded, the accused shall be entitled to examine the witnesses produced by him and to cross-examine the witnesses produced by the prosecution. After the examination and cross-examination of all the witnesses, the prosecution shall be entitled to re-examine the witnesses produced by it.
2. Explanation
- The section outlines the order of examination of witnesses in a criminal trial.
- The prosecution begins by examining its witnesses, followed by the accused examining their witnesses and cross-examining the prosecution witnesses.
- Finally, the prosecution gets an opportunity to re-examine their witnesses.
- The purpose of cross-examination is to test the credibility of the witnesses and elicit further information.
- Re-examination allows the prosecution to clarify any points raised during cross-examination.
3. Illustration: Section 287 CrPC
Imagine a robbery case. The prosecution calls its witnesses, including the victim, who testifies about the robbery. The accused then examines their witnesses, perhaps an alibi witness, and cross-examines the victim, trying to cast doubt on their testimony. Finally, the prosecution can re-examine the victim to clarify any issues raised during cross-examination.
4. Common Questions and Answers
Q: Who starts the examination of witnesses?
A: The prosecution begins the examination of witnesses.
Q: Can the accused ask questions to the prosecution witnesses?
A: Yes, the accused is entitled to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses.
Q: What is the purpose of re-examination?
A: Re-examination allows the prosecution to clarify any points raised during cross-examination and to re-emphasize their case.
