Section 31Evidence Act 1995 (Cth)

Witnesses who cannot hear adequately or speak adequately

(1) A witness who cannot hear adequately may be questioned in any appropriate way.

(2) A witness who cannot speak adequately may give evidence by any appropriate means.

(3) The court may give directions concerning either or both of the following:

(a) the way in which a witness may be questioned under subsection (1);

(b) the means by which a witness may give evidence under subsection (2).

(4) This section does not affect the right of a witness to whom this section applies to give evidence about a fact through an interpreter under section 30.

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 22 May 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au. Verify the current text against the official source before relying on it.

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