EVIDENCE LAW – Prosecution’s Duty – Not Obliged to Call Every Available Witness

Prosecution has discretion to select which witnesses to call, provided they prove their case beyond reasonable doubt. They need not call: every person with knowledge, cumulative witnesses (multiple witnesses to same facts), or witnesses whose testimony would be unreliable or unhelpful. This discretion serves: efficient trials, focusing on reliable evidence, and avoiding cumulative testimony. However, strategic non-calling of witnesses may allow defense to: comment on the omission, argue that uncalled witnesses would have contradicted prosecution, or draw adverse inferences. Courts assess: has prosecution proved its case with the witnesses called? If yes, the duty is fulfilled regardless of other potential witnesses. If no, failure to call key witnesses may contribute to reasonable doubt. This principle prevents defense from defeating cases by arguing about witnesses not called rather than addressing evidence actually presented