Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Crimes Act 1958 - SECT 398

Caution to be given to person charged25

398. Caution to be given to person charged25



Where a person charged with an offence is not defended by a legal
practitioner, the following caution or words to the like effect shall, before
he is called as a witness, be handed to him in writing under the direction of
the court (that is to say):- "You now have the right to answer the charge
against you and may take either of the following courses:



   (a)  You may enter the witness box, take the oath, and say what you want to
        say in answer to the charge. This is known as giving sworn evidence
        and when you have given your evidence you may be asked questions about
        it by the prosecution or the Court;

   (b)  You may say nothing in answer to the charge.

In either of these cases you may call any witness or witnesses to give sworn
evidence for you. What do you desire to do?"