Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980

Part IV E+W Witnesses and Evidence

Procuring attendance of witness E+W

97 Summons to witness and warrant for his arrest. E+W

[F1 (1) Where a justice of the peace is satisfied that—

(a) any person in England or Wales is likely to be able to give material evidence, or produce any document or thing likely to be material evidence, at the summary trial of an information or hearing of a complaint F2 ... by a magistrates' court, and

(b) it is in the interests of justice to issue a summons under this subsection to secure the attendance of that person to give evidence or produce the document or thing,

the justice shall issue a summons directed to that person requiring him to attend before the court at the time and place appointed in the summons to give evidence or to produce the document or thing.]

(2) If a justice of the peace is satisfied by evidence on oath of the matters mentioned in subsection (1) above, and also that it is probable that a summons under that subsection would not procure the attendance of the person in question, the justice may instead of issuing a summons issue a warrant to arrest that person and bring him before such a court as aforesaid at a time and place specified in the warrant; but a warrant shall not be issued under this subsection where the attendance is required for the hearing of a complaint F3 ... .

[F4 (2A) A summons may also be issued under subsection (1) above if the justice is satisfied that the person in question is outside the British Islands but no warrant shall be issued under subsection (2) above unless the justice is satisfied by evidence on oath that the person in question is in England or Wales.]

[F5 (2B) A justice may refuse to issue a summons under subsection (1) above in relation to the summary trial of an information if he is not satisfied that an application for the summons was made by a party to the case as soon as reasonably practicable after the accused pleaded not guilty.

(2C) In relation to the summary trial of an information, subsection (2) above shall have effect as if the reference to the matters mentioned in subsection (1) above included a reference to the matter mentioned in subsection (2B) above.]

(3) On the failure of any person to attend before a magistrates’ court in answer to a summons under this section, if—

(a) the court is satisfied by evidence on oath that he is likely to be able to give material evidence or produce any document or thing likely to be material evidence in the proceedings; and

(b) it is proved on oath, or in such other manner as may be prescribed, that he has been duly served with the summons, and that a reasonable sum has been paid or tendered to him for costs and expenses; and

(c) it appears to the court that there is no just excuse for the failure,

the court may issue a warrant to arrest him and bring him before the court at a time and place specified in the warrant.

(4) If any person attending or brought before a magistrates’ court refuses without just excuse to be sworn or give evidence, or to produce any document or thing, the court may commit him to custody until the expiration of such period not exceeding [F6 one month] as may be specified in the warrant or until he sooner gives evidence or produces the document or thing [F7 or impose on him a fine not exceeding [F8 £2,500] or both].

[F9 (5) A fine imposed under subsection (4) above shall be deemed, for the purposes of any enactment, to be a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 97(1) substituted (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 169(2), 178; S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3 (subject to art. 3(4)(5))

F2 Words in s. 97(1)(a) repealed (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 99 Table; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F3 Words in s. 97(2) repealed (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 99 Table; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F4 S. 97(2A) inserted (10.6.1991) by Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1990 (c. 5, SIF 39:1), s. 31(1), Sch. 4 para. 2; S.I. 1991/1072, art. 2(a), Sch. Pt. I.

F5 S. 97(2A)(2B) inserted (4.7.1996 with effect as mentioned in s. 51(2)(3) of the amending Act) by 1996 c. 25, s. 51(1) (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/682, art. 2(1)(b)

F6 Words substituted by Contempt of Court Act 1981 (c. 49, SIF 39:3), s. 14(5), Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 7

F7 Words added by Contempt of Court Act 1981 (c. 49, SIF 39:3), s. 14(5), Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 7

F8 Word in s. 97(4) substituted (1.10.1992) by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 17(3)(a), Sch. 4 Pt. I, Sch. 12 para. 6 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.

F9 S. 97(5) substituted (20.9.1993) by 1993 c. 36, s. 65(3), Sch. 3 para. 6(3); S.I. 1993/1968, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 97 extended (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/1395, rule 33

S. 97 extended (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/1991, rule 16(2)

C2 S. 97 extended by Licensing Act 1964 (c. 26, SIF 68A:1), s. 196A (as inserted by Licensing Act 1988 (c.17, SIF 68A:1), s. 19, Sch. 3 para. 19)

C3 S. 97 applied (5.4.1993) by S.I. 1993/617, rule 3, Sch. 2 para. 13

C4 S. 97 excluded (30.6.2011 for a period of 12 months for pilot purposes in specified areas, 7.10.2011 for a period of 12 months for pilot purposes in specified areas, 30.6.2012 for specified purposes, 8.3.2014 in so far as not already in force) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 27(10), 59(1); S.I. 2011/1440, arts. 2, 3; S.I. 2011/2279, arts. 2, 3; S.I. 2012/1615, arts. 2, 3; S.I. 2014/478, art. 2(a)

C5 S. 97 restricted (27.11.2024 until the end of the specified period on 26.11.2025 in relation to specified areas) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), ss. 28(8)(b), 90(6); S.I. 2024/1191, regs. 1(2)(g), 2, 3(1) (with reg. 4)

C6 S. 97(1) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2010/60, rule 62.16 (as substituted (4.4.2011) by The Criminal Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2010 (S.I. 2010/3026), rules 1, 9, Sch. 2)

C7 S. 97(1) modified (3.10.2011) by The Criminal Procedure Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/1709), rule 62.16(3)(d)

C8 S. 97(1) modified (1.10.2012) by The Criminal Procedure Rules 2012 (S.I. 2012/1726), rule 62.16(2)(3)(d)

C9 S. 97(1) modified (7.10.2013) by The Criminal Procedure Rules 2013 (S.I. 2013/1554), rule 62.16(2)(3)(d) (with rule 2.1)

C10 S. 97(1) modified (6.10.2014) by The Criminal Procedure Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/1610), rule 62.16(2)(3)(d) (with rule 2.1)

C11 S. 97(1) modified (5.10.2015) by The Criminal Procedure Rules 2015 (S.I. 2015/1490), rule 48.16(2)(3)

C12 S. 97(1) modified (5.10.2020) by The Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 (S.I. 2020/759), rule 48.16(2)(3)

C13 S. 97(3) extended by Licensing (Occasional Permissions) Act 1983 (c. 24, SIF 68A:1), s. 2(7)

C14 S. 97(1)(3)(4) extended (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 268(3), 316(2) (with s. 312(1))

C15 S. 97(4) extended by Licensing (Occasional Permissions) Act 1983 (c. 24, SIF 68A:1), s. 2(7)

[F10 97A Summons or warrant as to committal proceedings. E+W

[F11 (1) Subsection (2) below applies where a justice of the peace F12 . . . is satisfied that—

(a) any person in England or Wales is likely to be able to make on behalf of the prosecutor a written statement containing material evidence, or produce on behalf of the prosecutor a document or other exhibit likely to be material evidence, for the purposes of proceedings before a magistrates’ court inquiring into an offence as examining justices, [F13 and]

[F14 (b) it is in the interests of justice to issue a summons under this section to secure the attendance of that person to give evidence or to produce the document or other exhibit, F15 . . . ]

(c) F15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) In such a case the justice shall issue a summons directed to that person requiring him to attend before a justice at the time and place appointed in the summons to have his evidence taken as a deposition or to produce the document or other exhibit.

(3) If a justice of the peace is satisfied by evidence on oath of the matters mentioned in subsection (1) above, and also that it is probable that a summons under subsection (2) above would not procure the result required by it, the justice may instead of issuing a summons issue a warrant to arrest the person concerned and bring him before a justice at the time and place specified in the warrant.

(4) A summons may also be issued under subsection (2) above if the justice is satisfied that the person concerned is outside the British Islands, but no warrant may be issued under subsection (3) above unless the justice is satisfied by evidence on oath that the person concerned is in England or Wales.

(5) If—

(a) a person fails to attend before a justice in answer to a summons under this section,

(b) the justice is satisfied by evidence on oath that he is likely to be able to make a statement or produce a document or other exhibit as mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above,

(c) it is proved on oath, or in such other manner as may be prescribed, that he has been duly served with the summons and that a reasonable sum has been paid or tendered to him for costs and expenses, and

(d) it appears to the justice that there is no just excuse for the failure,

the justice may issue a warrant to arrest him and bring him before a justice at a time and place specified in the warrant.

(6) Where—

(a) a summons is issued under subsection (2) above or a warrant is issued under subsection (3) or (5) above, and

(b) the summons or warrant is issued with a view to securing that a person has his evidence taken as a deposition,

the time appointed in the summons or specified in the warrant shall be such as to enable the evidence to be taken as a deposition before a magistrates’ court begins to inquire into the offence concerned as examining justices.

(7) If any person attending or brought before a justice in pursuance of this section refuses without just excuse to have his evidence taken as a deposition, or to produce the document or other exhibit, the justice may do one or both of the following—

(a) commit him to custody until the expiration of such period not exceeding one month as may be specified in the summons or warrant or until he sooner has his evidence taken as a deposition or produces the document or other exhibit;

(b) impose on him a fine not exceeding £2,500.

(8) A fine imposed under subsection (7) above shall be deemed, for the purposes of any enactment, to be a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction.

(9) If in pursuance of this section a person has his evidence taken as a deposition, the [F16 designated officer for] the justice concerned shall as soon as is reasonably practicable send a copy of the deposition to the prosecutor.

(10) If in pursuance of this section a person produces an exhibit which is a document, the [F16 designated officer for] the justice concerned shall as soon as is reasonably practicable send a copy of the document to the prosecutor.

(11) If in pursuance of this section a person produces an exhibit which is not a document, the [F16 designated officer for] the justice concerned shall as soon as is reasonably practicable inform the prosecutor of the fact and of the nature of the exhibit.]]

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 97A inserted (4.7.1996, with effect as mentioned in Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 39 of the inserting Act) by 1996 c. 25, s. 47, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 8 (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/683, art. 1(2)

F11 S. 97A repealed (18.6.2012 for specified purposes, 5.11.2012 for specified purposes, 28.5.2013 for specified purposes) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 3 para. 51(6)(a); S.I. 2012/1320, art. 4(1)(c)(2)(3) (with art. 5) (see S.I. 2012/2574, art. 4(2) and S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2012/2574, art. 2(2)(3)(c), Sch. (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (4.11.2012) by S.I. 2012/2761, art. 2) (with S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2013/1103, art. 2(1)(c)(2)(3) (with arts. 3, 4)

F12 Words in s. 97A(1) repealed (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1)(3), 110, Sch. 8 para. 231(2)(a), Sch. 10; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)(aa)

F13 Words in s. 97A(1)(a) inserted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 231(2)(b); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F14 S. 97A(1)(b) substituted (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 169(3), 178; S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3 (subject to art. 3(4)(5))

F15 S. 97A(1)(c) and the preceding word "and" repealed (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1)(3), 110, Sch. 8 para. 231(2)(c), Sch. 10; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)(aa)

F16 Words in s. 97A(9)-(11) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 231(3); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

Evidence generally E+W

98 Evidence on oath. E+W

Subject to the provisions of any enactment or rule of law authorising the reception of unsworn evidence, evidence given before a magistrates’ court shall be given on oath.

99 Proof of non-payment of sum adjudged. E+W

Where a magistrates’ court has ordered one person to pay to another any sum of money, and proceedings are taken before that or any other magistrates’ court to enforce payment of that sum, then—

(a) if the person to whom the sum is ordered to be paid is [F17 the designated officer for a magistrates' court] , a certificate purporting to be signed by [F18 the designated officer] that the sum has not been paid to him; and

(b) in any other case a document purporting to be a statutory declaration by the person to whom the sum is ordered to be paid that the sum has not been paid to him,

shall be admissible as evidence that the sum has not been paid to him, unless the court requires [F19 the designated officer] or other person to be called as a witness.

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in s. 99 substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 232(a); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F18 Words in s. 99 substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 232(b); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F19 Words in s. 99 substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 232(b); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

100 Statement of wages to be evidence. E+W

A statement in writing to the effect that wages of any amount have been paid to a person during any period, purporting to be signed by or on behalf of his employer, shall be evidence of the facts therein stated in any proceedings taken before a magistrates’ court—

(a) for enforcing payment by the person to whom the wages are stated to have been paid of a sum adjudged to be paid by a summary conviction or order; F20 ...

F20 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F20 S. 100(b) and word omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 49(c); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

101 Onus of proving exceptions, etc. E+W

Where the defendant to an information or complaint relies for his defence on any exception, exemption, proviso, excuse or qualification, whether or not it accompanies the description of the offence or matter of complaint in the enactment creating the offence or on which the complaint is founded, the burden or proving the exception, exemption, proviso, excuse or qualification shall be on him; and this notwithstanding that the information or complaint contains an allegation negativing the exception, exemption, proviso, excuse or qualification.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 101 applied (with modifications) (1.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/704, rule5(2)(3)(4)(f)

Evidence in criminal cases E+W

F21 102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F21 S. 102 repealed (4.7.1996, with effect as mentioned in Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 39 of the repealing Act) by 1996 c. 25, ss. 47, 80, Sch. 1 Pt I para. 9, Sch. 5 table10 (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/683, art. 1(2)

[F22 103 Evidence of persons under 14 in committal proceedings for assault, sexual offences etc. E+W

[F23 [F24 (1) In any proceedings before a magistrates’ court inquiring as examining justices into an offence to which this section applies, a statement made in writing by or taken in writing from a child shall be admissible in evidence of any matter.]

(2) This section applies—

(a) to an offence which involves an assault, or injury or a threat of injury to, a person;

(b) to an offence under section 1 of the M1 Children and Young Persons Act 1933 (cruelty to persons under 16);

(c) to an offence under the M2 Sexual Offences Act 1956, F25 . . . M3 the Protection of Children Act 1978 [F26 or Part 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003] ; and

(d) to an offence which consists of attempting or conspiring to commit, or of aiding, abetting, counselling, procuring or inciting the commission of, an offence falling within paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above.

F27 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F27 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F28 (5) In this section “child” has the same meaning as in section 53 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991.]]]

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 103 substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), ss. 33, 123(6), Sch. 8 para. 16

F23 S. 103 repealed (18.6.2012 for specified purposes, 5.11.2012 for specified purposes, 28.5.2013 for specified purposes) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 3 para. 51(6)(b); S.I. 2012/1320, art. 4(1)(c)(2)(3) (with art. 5) (see S.I. 2012/2574, art. 4(2) and S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2012/2574, art. 2(2)(3)(c), Sch. (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (4.11.2012) by S.I. 2012/2761, art. 2) (with S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2013/1103, art. 2(1)(c)(2)(3) (with arts. 3, 4)

F24 S. 103(1) substituted (4.7.1996, with effect as mentioned in Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 39 of the substituting Act) by 1996 c. 25, s. 47, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 10(2) (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/683, art. 1(2)

F25 Words in s. 103(2)(c) repealed (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 140, 141, Sch. 7; S.I. 2004/874, art. 2

F26 Words in s. 103(2)(c) inserted (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 139, 141, Sch. 6 para. 26(2); S.I. 2004/874, art. 2

F27 S. 103(3)(4) repealed (4.7.1996, with effect as mentioned in Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 39 of the repealing Act) by 1996 c. 25, ss. 47, 80, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 10(3), Sch. 5 table10 (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/683, art. 1(2)

F28 S. 103(5) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 55(1); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 103(2)(d) modified (1.10.2008) by Serious Crimes Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 63(1), 94, Sch. 6 para. 5(b) (with Sch. 13 para. 5); S.I. 2008/2504, art. 2(a)(g)

Marginal Citations

M1 1933 c. 12 (20).

M2 1956 c. 69

M3 1978 c. 37

104 Proof of previous convictions. E+W

Where a person is convicted of a summary offence by a magistrates’ court, other than a [F29 youth court], and—

(a) it is proved to the satisfaction of the court, on oath or in such other manner as may be prescribed, that not less than 7 days previously a notice was served on the accused in the prescribed form and manner specifying any alleged previous conviction of the accused of a summary offence proposed to be brought to the notice of the court in the event of his conviction of the offence charged; and

(b) the accused is not present in person before the court,

the court may take account of any such previous conviction so specified as if the accused had appeared and admitted it.

Textual Amendments

F29 Words in s. 104 substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11 para. 40(2)(n); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 104 restricted (1.9.1998) by 1988 c. 53, s. 13(3A)(3B) (as inserted (1.9.1998)) by 1998 c. 15, s. 2(1); S.I. 1998/1837, art.2 (with transitional savings in art. 3))

F30 105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 105 repealed (4.7.1996, with effect as mentioned in Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 39 of the repealing Act) by 1996 c. 25, ss. 47, 80, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 11, Sch. 5 table10 (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/683, art. 1(2)

Offences E+W

106 False written statements tendered in evidence. E+W

[F31 (1) If any person in a written statement [F32 admitted] in evidence in criminal proceedings by virtue of [F32 section 5B] above wilfully makes a statement material in those proceedings which he knows to be false or does not believe to be true, he shall be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine or both.

(2) The M4 Perjury Act 1911 shall have effect as if this section were contained in that Act.]

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 106 repealed (18.6.2012 for specified purposes, 5.11.2012 for specified purposes, 28.5.201 for specified purposes) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 3 para. 51(6)(c); S.I. 2012/1320, art. 4(1)(c)(2)(3) (with art. 5) (see S.I. 2012/2574, art. 4(2) and S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2012/2574, art. 2(2)(3)(c), Sch. (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (4.11.2012) by S.I. 2012/2761, art. 2) (with S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2013/1103, art. 2(1)(c)(2)(3) (with arts. 3, 4)

F32 Words in s. 106(1) substituted (4.7.1996 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 39 of the substituting Act) by 1996 c. 25, s. 47, Sch. 1 Pt. I para.12 (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/683, art. 1(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 106 extended (4.7.1996) by 1972 c. 71, s. 46(1A) (as inserted (4.7.1996 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 39 of the inserting Act) by 1996 c. 25, s. 47, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 22(3) (with s. 78(1)); S.I. 1997/683, art. 1(2)

Marginal Citations

M4 1911 c. 6.

107 False statements in declaration proving service, etc. E+W

If, in any solemn declaration, certificate or other writing made or given for the purpose of its being used in pursuance of [F33 rules of court] as evidence of the service of any document or the handwriting or seal of any person, a person makes a statement that he knows to be false in a material particular, or recklessly makes any statement that is false in a material particular, he shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding [F34 level 3 on the standard scale] or both.

Textual Amendments

F33 Words in s. 107 substituted (1.9.2004) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 233; S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(c)(xi) (subject to art. 3)

F34 Words substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46