WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE REFUSAL OF THE ACCUSED TO TESTIFY IN HIS BEHALF?

Category: Criminal Procedure

WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE REFUSAL OF THE ACCUSED TO TESTIFY ON HIS BEHALF?

>     GENERAL  RULE—the  silence  of  the  accused  should  not  prejudice him

>     EXCEPTIONS—the  following  cases  draw  an  unfavorable  inference from the failure of the accused to testify:

o      If  the  prosecution  has  already  established  a  prima  facie case,  the  accused  must  present  proof  to  overturn  the evidence of the prosecution
o      If  the  defense  of  the  accused  is  an  alibi  and  he  doesn't testify, the inference is that the alibi is not believable