Criminal Justice Act 1982

Unsworn statements

72 Abolition of right of accused to make unsworn statement

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, in any criminal proceedings the accused shall not be entitled to make a statement without being sworn, and accordingly, if he gives evidence, he shall do so on oath and be liable to cross-examination; but this section shall not affect the right of the accused, if not represented by counsel or a solicitor, to address the court or jury otherwise than on oath on any matter on which, if he were so represented, counsel or a solicitor could address the court or jury on his behalf.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) above shall prevent the accused making a statement without being sworn—

(a) if it is one which he is required by law to make person ally ; or

(b) if he makes it by way of mitigation before the court passes sentence upon him.

(3) Nothing in this section applies—

(a) to a trial; or

(b) to proceedings before a magistrates' court acting as examining justices,

which began before the commencement of this section.