Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Criminal Procedure Act 2009 - SECT 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.