According to law, an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Only under certain conditions stipulated in legislation may a suspect be deprived of his freedom during legal proceedings. At the trial, it is the Attorney General's prosecutor who must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. The defendant is entitled to a full, complete defence and to be represented by an attorney. He may plead guilty at any time.
Court proceedings are usually public in order to ensure fairness.
You may attend them if you so desire. During the court appearance, the defendant is apprised of the accusation brought against him and indicates whether he pleads guilty or not guilty. If he pleads guilty, there is no need to hold a trial. The judge hands down a sentence according to the rules governing sentencing which are discussed later in this leaflet. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the judge sets the date of the trial and that of the preliminary inquiry or of the submission of evidence, as the case may be.