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Observers at hearing
David Brunskill
Nationality: United Kingdom
Certifications:
National Judge
0
Would be grateful for a copy of a document setting out behaviour expected of observers at hearing
Created: 22-Apr-25 18:27
Comments
Chris Watts
Nationality: United Kingdom
Certifications:
International Judge
National Race Officer
0
https://members.sailing.org/tools/documents/JuryPolicies2021July-[27405].pdf Section B Point 3.
Created: 22-Apr-25 18:38
Tim Hohmann
Nationality: United States
Certifications:
Umpire In Training
Regional Judge
0
Judges Manual section K7 lays out the rules and guidelines for observers. I've seen a form used which observers were required to sign prior to being admitted to the hearing but don't have a copy. But the rules aren't very extensive so it should be easy to make one.
Created: 22-Apr-25 18:51
Aslan Ozcakir
Nationality: Türkiye
Certifications:
National Judge
National Race Officer
0
Attached is a bit dated but I believe it would help. Here is a link in case the attachment does not work.
One thing I didn't see addressed in any of the documentation. Under what circumstances, if any, should observers be allowed to leave the hearing before the jury has completed taking evidence?
If observers are allowed to leave, should the observer form remind them of their obligation not to discuss anything they heard or saw in the hearing room with anyone until a decision has been published, or words to that effect?
I think I'd be concerned about an observer leaving the hearing midway and having a chat with or being overheard by a potential witness.
Created: 22-Apr-25 20:40
David Brunskill
Nationality: United Kingdom
Certifications:
National Judge
0
Good point Tim Observers briefing witnesses is definitely a risk. It hasn't happened in any of the "observer present" hearings i've been involved with over the years but its certainly something to watch out for.
Created: 22-Apr-26 11:57
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Section B Point 3.
Attached is a bit dated but I believe it would help.
Here is a link in case the attachment does not work.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/z4b4236ve8e2jap/30%20Information%20for%20Observers.doc?dl=0
Cheers,
Aslan
I now have enough to keep me happy.
If observers are allowed to leave, should the observer form remind them of their obligation not to discuss anything they heard or saw in the hearing room with anyone until a decision has been published, or words to that effect?
I think I'd be concerned about an observer leaving the hearing midway and having a chat with or being overheard by a potential witness.
Observers briefing witnesses is definitely a risk.
It hasn't happened in any of the "observer present" hearings i've been involved with over the years but its certainly something to watch out for.