Adverse Inferences

In Simple Terms

If a team or witness refuses to hand over documents, show up to a hearing, or answer questions without a good reason, the judges can assume their answer would have hurt their case. Basically, not cooperating makes you look guilty.

• Refusing to produce documents without reasonable excuse can result in adverse inferences against the party
• Failure to appear at a hearing or refusing to answer questions can be interpreted as if the answer would have been damaging
• The judging panel decides what counts as a 'reasonable excuse' for non-compliance
• This rule encourages teams and witnesses to cooperate fully with FIA investigations