71. Opening address of accused at beginning of case for the accused

71. Opening address of accused at beginning of case for the accused

(1) If the accused intends to give evidence, or to call other witnesses on behalf of the accused, or both, the Magistrates' Court may grant leave to the accused to open the case for the accused if the court considers it appropriate to do so.

(2) If the accused gives an opening address, it must be given before the accused gives evidence or calls any other witnesses.

(3) The Magistrates' Court may limit the length of the opening address of the accused.

(4) The accused is not required to give evidence before any other witness is called on behalf of the accused.