SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Assimilate and present specialised evidence in a court of law 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242707  Assimilate and present specialised evidence in a court of law 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forensic Science 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for learners who will be required on an ad hoc basis to present supporting evidence in a court of law. The information that will be presented as evidence will be of a specialised nature and therefore this learner will need to have the competencies and skills linked to the provision of specialised evidence. This unit standard is not intended for expert witnesses, but should rather be viewed as providing learners with the competencies to support expert evidence within a court of law.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Prepare for giving specialised evidence in court.
  • Give specialised evidence in court while adhering to legal requirement.
  • Reflect on the provision of specialised evidence in court. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication skills at NQF level 4.
  • Presentation skills at NQF level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    For purposes of this unit standard learners may be required to comply with legal requirements in order to indicate their status as a specialised witness. Wherever reference is made to specialised evidence in this unit standard it should be understood that this evidence is of a supporting nature, and therefore requires specialised knowledge of a particular field. It should also be understood that in this context, the term "specialised evidence" does not refer to expert evidence.

    "Giving evidence" refers, but is not limited to:
  • Verbal testimony.
  • Evidence related to a case, for example documentation, weapons, etc. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for giving specialised evidence in court. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Case related documentation is collated in a format acceptable for analysing purposes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Case related documentation must include, but is not limited to, affidavits as prescribed by current legislation, such as sections 212 (4) (a) and (8) (a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information related to a specific case is analysed in order to reach or support an opinion and conclusion. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    "Analysis" may refer to, but is not limited to, the inclusion of theoretical perspectives and research, but does not include the analysis process performed to generate a scientific result.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons why integrity of evidence should be maintained are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The integrity of evidence must refer to, but is not limited to, the quality of the evidence and the chain of custody.
    Reasons must include reference to the process which supports the maintaining of the integrity of evidence.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The value of pre-trial consultations is explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    "Pre-trail consultations" refers to, but is not limited to, consultation with peers and legal personnel.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Give specialised evidence in court while adhering to legal requirement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of maintaining the integrity of evidence is explained in relation to the final judgement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The importance of maintaining the integrity of evidence includes, but is not limited to, the chain of custody, adherence to quality assurance guidelines, and adherence to relevant legislation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles related to giving evidence in court are explained in accordance with the law of evidence. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles must include, but are not limited to, hear-say and real evidence, refreshing of memory, the concept of privilege, admissibility and relevancy.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A strategy to provide evidence is formulated in accordance with court practices and protocols. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    When a strategy is formulated, the format of presentations must be included, but is not limited to, digital presentations, graphics, and charts.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Specialised evidence is presented in a structured scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A structured scenario may refer to, but is not limited to, a mock-trial.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Reflect on the provision of specialised evidence in court. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The provision of specialised evidence is analysed in terms of its impact on the final judgement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The analysis must be performed irrespective of whether the final judgement is in line with, or not in line with, the specialised evidence presented. Analysis may include, but is not limited to, the factual data conveyed, and the style and format of presentations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The implemented strategy to present evidence is assessed in terms of its effective use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The presentation of evidence is assessed in terms of its impact on the final judgement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons why the assessment must be taken into account during future strategy formulation are explained with examples. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual who wishes to be assessed against this unit standard (including assessment of RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. Assessors must be competent in the outcome of the Unit Standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the relevant ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • South African law of evidence.
  • Sections 212 (4) (a) and (8) (a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
  • Chapter two of the South African Constitution.
  • Court structure in South Africa.
  • Key role-players within the criminal justice system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in a critical and creative manner, in applying the provisions set out regarding giving evidence in a court of law, and under controlled circumstances making sound judgements of any given situation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, show responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Glossary of terminology

    Evidence:
  • Evidence may be defined as the testimony of witnesses, as well as the generation of documents, and other exhibits, which may be used for the purpose of proof in legal proceedings.

    Expert evidence:
  • Evidence provided by an expert witness.

    Expert witness:
  • Witness who has competence in a subject, i.e. forensic science, gained as a result of training or experience.

    Specialised evidence:
  • Evidence offered in a supportive context to that of expert evidence.

    Specialised witness:
  • Factual witness that testifies about factual aspects, in support of the testimony provided by the expert witness.

    Testimony:
  • The statement of a witness in court, generally delivered under oath, and offered as evidence of truth of that which he asserts.

    Witness:
  • An individual who gives formal or sworn evidence at a court hearing.

    Legal

    Specific legislation recorded in this unit standard is left open ended, for additional legislation to be assessed. Wherever legislation is referred to in this unit standard, current legislation is implied.
  • Section 150 to 207 of the Criminal Procedure Act (Act 51 of 1977).
  • Sections 212(4)(a) and 212(8)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act (Act 51 of 1977).
  • Bill of Rights as defined in the Constitution of the RSA Act (Act 108 of 1996). 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57651   National Certificate: Forensic Science  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Core  63229   National Diploma: Bomb Disposal  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Core  58183   National Diploma: Forensic Pathology Support  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  59258   National Certificate: Polygraphy  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  61729   National Diploma: Policing  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. STRATEGIC INVESTIGATIONS AND SEMINARS 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.