Pennsylvania law Sections 5916-5918 outline protections for confidential communications between clients and attorneys, rules for admitting notes of prior witness examinations, and restrictions on questioning defendants about other offenses. These provisions aim to preserve attorney-client privilege, ensure the reliability of evidence, and protect defendants' rights during criminal trials.
Confidential communications between a client and their attorney are protected and cannot be disclosed or used as evidence unless the client waives the privilege during trial.
Yes, notes from a witness's examination can be used as evidence in a subsequent trial if the witness is unavailable, deceased, or otherwise unable to testify.
No, defendants cannot be asked about other offenses or their character unless they voluntarily choose to answer such questions during their own trial.
Their prior testimony can be introduced as evidence in a new trial under Pennsylvania law, provided certain conditions are met.