McCann v Gonçalo Amaral libel case - Witnesses

[Lyall]

it is Blacksmith who talks of  evidence when you admit there is none. That's why I think blacksmith is an idiot

Depends on what issue you mean. I think he's always said there isn't conclusive evidence indicating Madeleine's fate (in fact pretty recently at one point he said McCann critics had "none" proving their guilt).

But the issue of their honesty is another thing entirely.

[icabodcrane]

Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary

The burden of proof placed on a party in certain types of civil cases, such as cases involving fraud. Clear and convincing is a higher standard than "preponderance of the evidence," the standard typical in most civil cases, but not as high as "beyond a reasonable doubt," the burden placed on the prosecution in criminal cases.

Some examples of different levels of evidence.

Thanks davel,  that is interesting and informative

I've just looked up  'preponderance of evidence' which,  as you say,  is more appropriately applied to a civil case  (  and therefore most likely in this case  )   

Preponderance is based on the more convincing evidence and it's probable truth or accuracy  ...  Thus, one clearly knowledgeable witness may provide a preponderance of evidence  rather than a dozen witnesses with hazy testimony

Do you think the Judge will make a decision based on which theory is more convincingly evidenced   ( the McCann's or Amaral's  )   ? 

[Mr Gray]

Depends on what issue you mean. I think he's always said there isn't conclusive evidence indicating Madeleine's fate (in fact pretty recently at one point he said McCann critics had "none" proving their guilt).

But the issue of their honesty is another thing entirely.

Well there is no question re amarals honesty...the lack of it haw been proved in court

[Redblossom]

Well there is no question re amarals honesty...the lack of it haw been proved in court

That depends

And the mccanns have been proven to be dishonest multitude of times, though not in a court, just proven by their own words...
 

[Redblossom]

The hearing was exparte..its a whole new ball game now imo

Same ball same game

[Redblossom]

it is Blacksmith who talks of  evidence when you admit there is none. That's why I think blacksmith is an idiot

So you thnk blacksmith is an idiot
You also think the portuguese public prosecutors were idiots
Anyone else in your list?

No doubt the supreme court judges,that tossed the mccanns attempt to ban a book,  mr grime, etc etc
 >@@(*&)

[Mr Gray]

So you thnk blacksmith is an idiot
You also think the portuguese public prosecutors were idiots
Anyone else in your list?

No doubt the supreme court judges,that tossed the mccanns attempt to ban a book,  mr grime, etc etc
 >@@(*&)

supreme court judges ...no...the book hadn't been proved to be libellous so no grounds to ban it.
Mr Grime...no....he said the dogs alerts had no evidential value

Everyone forgets when blacksmith gets it wrong..in feb he said the mccanns would settle on amarals terms...he was wrong. in my opinion he is a wanabee who never made it in the real world but is able to fool a small band of gullible fools on the net

[Redblossom]

supreme court judges ...no...the book hadn't been proved to be libellous so no grounds to ban it.
Mr Grime...no....he said the dogs alerts had no evidential value

Everyone forgets when blacksmith gets it wrong..in feb he said the mccanns would settle on amarals terms...he was wrong. in my opinion he is a wanabee who never made it in the real world but is able to fool a small band of gullible fools on the net

Yada yada

[Mr Gray]

Thanks davel,  that is interesting and informative

I've just looked up  'preponderance of evidence' which,  as you say,  is more appropriately applied to a civil case  (  and therefore most likely in this case  )   

Preponderance is based on the more convincing evidence and it's probable truth or accuracy  ...  Thus, one clearly knowledgeable witness may provide a preponderance of evidence  rather than a dozen witnesses with hazy testimony

Do you think the Judge will make a decision based on which theory is more convincingly evidenced   ( the McCann's or Amaral's  )   ?

Sorry for not answering  sooner...if the level of proof required is low, then the McCanns win, if its high then its Amaral

[Luz]

The truth hurts.

Unfortunately for the McCann (unless they are privileged for being foreigners), they will never get the money they are seeking.

In 2011, a former Minister that had been in prison accused of paedophilia and later released for lack of evidence, sued the Portuguese State for 100 thousand Euros. He didn't get a cent although he was imprisoned for about four months.

[urlhttp://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Policia/Interior.aspx?content_id=1815426][/url]


 

[faithlilly]

The atmosphere was rather cool in the court room today. Mrs Duarte was exceptionally calm and pondered. She not once said "abduction" and speaking about the effect of the book on the McCanns always added "if any".
The interpreter is British (living in Lx) and told me she had been contacted by the tribunal a few days ago.
Generally speaking nobody knows much about the files and some journalists just know what they've read in their newspapers.
Some posters here know much better. Many mistakes were said without anyone protesting.
About 3/4 of an hour were lost because Ms Loach couldn't remember when her documentary had been broadcast in PT and the TVI lawyer had another title !
All the sessions are taped.
I'll be there to-morrow. Too tired to send my notes to-night.
But I sent John some pics.

Thank you for your report Anne. I'm sure everyone on this forum appreciates your efforts.

[John]

Most definitely.  Am looking forward to reading your notes about the hearing Anne.  Thanks again for a marvellous effort.

[icabodcrane]

The atmosphere was rather cool in the court room today. Mrs Duarte was exceptionally calm and pondered. She not once said "abduction" and speaking about the effect of the book on the McCanns always added "if any".
The interpreter is British (living in Lx) and told me she had been contacted by the tribunal a few days ago.
Generally speaking nobody knows much about the files and some journalists just know what they've read in their newspapers.
Some posters here know much better. Many mistakes were said without anyone protesting.
About 3/4 of an hour were lost because Ms Loach couldn't remember when her documentary had been broadcast in PT and the TVI lawyer had another title !
All the sessions are taped.
I'll be there to-morrow. Too tired to send my notes to-night.
But I sent John some pics.

How kind of you to go to the trouble of bringing us first-hand information

Thank you Anne 

[Chinagirl]

I add my thanks.

[Redblossom]

Thanks Lyall

Icab, these ones reported, though not sure if there are any others

Emma Loach, tv producer of two Mccann documentaries
Susan Hubbard, priests wife, befriended the Mccanns in PDL
Angus McBride, high flying(extradition or libel?) lawyer,not sure if was ever used
Dave Edgar, ex RUC police, Mccanns PI from Nov 08
Susan Healy, Kates mother
Michael  Wright,husband of Kates cousin who was in PDL on and off through the spring/summer

One more to add

A child psychologist,name unknown