Accused, statement of. Where an accused person is brought before justices of the peace, the (English) Criminal Justice Act, 1925 (15 & 16 Geo. 5, c. 86), s. 12, directs the justices, after the close of the evidence for the prosecution, to ask him whether he wishes to say anything in answer to the charge, telling him that he is not obliged to say anything unless he desires to do so, but that whatever he says will be taken down in writing, and may be given in evidence upon his trial. The justices, before the accused person makes any statement, must make him clearly understand that he has nothing to hope from any promise of favour, and nothing to fear from any threat which may have been held out to him to induce him to make any confession, but that whatever he says may be given in evidence upon his trial, notwithstanding such promise or threat. Whatever the accused states in answer to the charge shall be taken down in the manner shown in the forms prescribed by the rules made under the Act; and shall be read over to the accused and signed by the magistrates, and by the accused if he desires it.
See further ADMISSION; CONFESSION.
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