CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT 2004 - SECT 143

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT 2004 - SECT 143

143 .         Opening addresses

        (1)         Before any evidence is given in a trial the prosecutor is entitled to give an opening address to the court about the prosecutor’s case.

        (2)         Whether or not an accused intends to give or adduce evidence, the accused is entitled to give an opening address to the court about the accused’s case.

        (3)         Any opening address by an accused must be given, at the accused’s option, either —

            (a)         immediately after the prosecutor has given or declined to give an opening address; or

            (b)         if the accused intends to give or adduce evidence, after the close of the prosecutor’s case and immediately before the accused gives or adduces the evidence.