This provision has not been checked by a human. The text below was read automatically from the official PDF and has not yet been verified against it, so it may differ from the provision as published — in its wording, its numbering, or where one provision ends and the next begins. For the authorised text, see legislation.vic.gov.au.
provides that if the accused intends to give evidence or call witnesses, or both, the Magistrates' Court may grant leave to the accused to open their case if the court considers it appropriate to do so. The accused's opening address must be given before the accused gives evidence or calls any witness. The court may limit the length of the opening address of the accused. The accused is not required to give evidence before any other witness is called on their behalf.