'Rights during trial - unsworn oral or written statement in defence' in document 'Sierra Leone - Criminal Procedure Act'

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RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION

PART I – GENERAL PROVISIONS PROCEDURE

DEPOSITION AND STATEMENTS

67. Any statement made by the accused at the preliminary investigation may be given in evidence if admissible according to the rules of evidence.

PART III – PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS

116. Immediately after the accuses shall so have had opportunity of making his answer to the charge, the Court shall ask him whether he desires to give evidence on his own behalf and whether he desires to call any witnesses, and the evidence of the accused together with the depositions of such witnesses as the accused shall call, and who shall appear on his behalf, shall then be taken in like manner as in the case of the witnesses for the prosecution.

117. If the accused states that he has witnesses to call, but that they are not present in Court, and the Court is satisfied that the absence of the witnesses is not due to any fault of the accused, and that there is a likelihood that they could, if present, give material evidence on his behalf, the Court may adjourn the investigation and issue process, or take other steps, to compel the attendance of such witnesses.

RELEVANT ROME STATUTE PROVISIONS

Article 67
Rights of the accused
1. In the determination of any charge, the accused shall be entitled to a public hearing, having regard to the provisions of this Statute, to a fair hearing conducted impartially, and to the following minimum guarantees, in full equality:
(h) To make an unsworn oral or written statement in his or her defence