During a criminal trial, both sides will be given enough time and fair opportunity to address the Court fully on their side of the case. The Prosecutor and you will take turns to present the case. You should wait patiently for your turn to speak.

When it is your turn to speak, speak audibly into the microphone, as the proceedings are recorded. You should take your own notes and record what was said by the witnesses. If you require a pen and paper, you may request for them.

The sequence at the trial is typically as follows:

1. Commencement of Prosecution’s case;

2. Examination of Prosecution’s witness(es);

3. Call of Defence, if the Court decides the Prosecution has presented a sufficient case such that you must answer the charge;

4. Examination of the Accused;

5. Examination of the Accused’s Witnesses (if any);

6. Prosecution's Rebuttal witness (if any);

7. Closing submissions, where parties summarise the evidence and arguments to persuade the Judge to decide the case in their favour; and

8. Verdict.

For more information, you may wish to visit https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/criminal/charged-with-crime and download the Guidebook for Accused in Person (available in 4 languages) found at the bottom of the page.