19.2-268.1 - Contradiction by prior inconsistent writing. - Virginia Statutes

§ 19.2-268.1. Contradiction by prior inconsistent writing.

A witness in a criminal case may be cross-examined as to previous statementsmade by him in writing or reduced into writing, relative to the subjectmatter of the proceeding, without such writing being shown to him; but if itis intended to contradict such witness by the writing, his attention must,before such contradictory proof can be given, be called to the particularoccasion on which the writing is supposed to have been made, and he may beasked if he did not make a writing of the purport of the one to be offered tocontradict him, and if he denies making it, or does not admit its execution,it shall then be shown to him, and if he admits its genuineness, he shall beallowed to make his own explanation of it; but it shall be competent for thecourt at any time during the trial to require the production of the writingfor its inspection, and the court may thereupon make such use of it for thepurpose of the trial as it may think best.

(Code 1950, § 8-293; 1958, c. 380; 1960, c. 114; 1964, c. 356; 1977, c. 624.)