Los Angeles, CA asked in Criminal Law for California

Q: In a criminal case, can the prosecutor call the defendant to testify as their first witness?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: The Defendant in a criminal matter may not be compelled to testify in a criminal matter against themselves. 5th amendment of the U.S. Constitution, "Nor shall any person be... compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself..."

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