During the Prosecution’s examination-in-chief, cross examination or re-examination, it is possible for you to object to certain questions being asked or certain evidence being given. When you object, you do so by standing up and saying “I object, your honour”. You will then explain why you objected and the other party has a chance to respond to the objection and the Judge will then decide if the question should be allowed.

Some examples of the types of questions that may be objectionable include:

• Irrelevant evidence that does not relate to the charges;

• Character (as a general rule, the Prosecution cannot lead evidence to show that you are a person of bad character, including your past criminal record); and

• Hearsay (Hearsay is a statement by a person who is not in Court as a witness tendered to prove the truthfulness of the facts therein).

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.