After the Prosecution has called all their witnesses, the Court will decide if the Prosecution has presented a sufficient case such that you must answer the charge. You may make a submission of no case to answer if you think that there is insufficient evidence to support the Prosecution’s case.

If there is sufficient evidence to support the Prosecution’s case, the Court will ask you to present your defence. You will be given two options by the Judge:

• give evidence from the witness stand; or

• remain silent.

If you choose to give evidence, you will have to give evidence from the witness box, on oath or affirmation, and be subject to cross-examination by the Prosecution.

If you choose to remain silent, the Court may draw all reasonable inferences, including those unfavourable to you. The Court may take your silence into account when deciding whether you are guilty or not.

Whichever you choose, you can call other witnesses to give evidence to support your case.

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.