Judicial principle — Kuwait Court of Cassation

Kuwait Court of Cassation principle number 672

State of Kuwait · Criminal Procedure · Ministry of Justice — Court of Cassation — Technical Office

English translation of the principle

A witness who takes the oath must be of sound mind and have attained the age of 14. Others. Their statements are heard for guidance. - Assessing the absence or possession of perception and discernment at the time of testimony. A matter for the trial court. - The court’s reliance on the victim’s statements despite her young age. Its implication: its confidence that she possesses perception and discernment, and its rejection of all considerations advanced by the defence to induce it not to rely on them.
Arabic original
استلزام العقل وبلوغ الرابعة عشرة في الشاهد الذي يحلف اليمين. من عداه. تسمع أقواله استئناساً. - تقدير فقدان الإدراك والتمييز أو التمتع بهما وقت أداء الشهادة. موضوعي. - أخذ المحكمة بأقوال المجني عليها مع حداثة سنها. مفاده: اطمئنانها بتمتعها بالإدراك والتمييز. وإطراحها لجميع الاعتبارات التي ساقها الدفاع لحملها على عدم الأخذ بها.
Original Arabic judgment citations

(الطعن ١٨/١٩٧٨ جزائي جلسة ١٢/٢/١٩٧٩ مج ٧ سنوات ص ٢٨٩)

Source: Court of Cassation legal principles collection — Criminal Procedure — Ministry of Justice — Court of Cassation — Technical Office. Printed page 263. PDF pages: 256.

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