HC Deb 11 March 1864 vol 173 c1824
MR. O'REILLY

said, he would beg to ask the Judge Advocate General, Whether it is lawful in the Army to prevent a prisoner on his trial from having free communication with the witnesses who are to be called for his defence?

MR. HEADLAM

replied, that there was no difference in principle between Martial Law and Civil Law on this point. The question might, therefore, have been addressed with propriety to his hon. and learned Friend the Attorney General. He (Mr. Headlam) did not think that there was any more clearly established principle of English Law than that the prisoner should have the most complete access to all the information necessary for his defence.