§ 12-17-9. Defendant as witness.
No respondent in a criminal prosecution, offering himself or herself as a witness, shall be excluded from testifying because he or she is a respondent; and neglect or refusal so to testify shall create no presumption nor be used in argument against him or her.
History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 396; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 44; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 44; G.L. 1938, ch. 538, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 12-17-9.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Section 12-17-1. - Trial in superior court only on indictment, information, or appeal — Venue.
Section 12-17-2. - “Not guilty” plea inferred.
Section 12-17-3. - Waiver of jury trial — Special findings and rulings.
Section 12-17-5. - Continuance of trial to conclusion after opening to jury.
Section 12-17-6. - Control and disposition of property used as evidence.
Section 12-17-7. - Release of property held as evidence after escape of defendant.
Section 12-17-8. - Compulsory process for defense witnesses.
Section 12-17-9. - Defendant as witness.
Section 12-17-10. - Defendant’s spouse as witness.
Section 12-17-10.1. - Spouse as witness in domestic or child abuse actions.
Section 12-17-11. - Commitment of witness on presumption of perjury.
Section 12-17-12. - Detention of evidence as to perjury.
Section 12-17-13. - Jury ordered not to separate.
Section 12-17-14. - Conviction of lesser-included offense or attempt.
Section 12-17-15. - Compelling evidence in criminal proceedings — Immunity.
Section 12-17-16. - Defendant’s right of discovery.
Section 12-17-17. - Restrictions on the defense of provocation.
Section 12-17-18. - Restrictions on the defense of diminished capacity.
Section 12-17-19. - Restrictions on the defense of self-defense.