What is the outcome when a PIC is proved under the Evidence Act Queensland?

When a prior inconsistent statement (PIC) is proved under the Evidence Act in Queensland, it can be used as evidence of the facts stated. This means that if a witness has made a statement that contradicts their current testimony, that previous statement can be offered as evidence to support the facts it contains, even if the relevance of that statement depends on the credibility and reliability of the witness.

This principle is essential in legal settings as it allows for greater transparency and scrutiny of witness testimonies. It recognizes that a witness may provide different accounts over time and that those statements can have significant implications for the case at hand. The ability to use a PIC enhances the fact-finding process by ensuring that all available information can be properly considered, provided it is relevant to the case.

In the context of the other options, the idea that it can only be used in civil cases is overly restrictive, as PICs can arise in both civil and criminal contexts. The concept that it is permanently inadmissible contradicts the very foundation of how prior statements can impact current testimony, and saying it is only valid if corroborated with other evidence misunderstands the nature of these statements; they stand on their own for the purpose of evaluating the credibility of the witness and the truthfulness