This week, Australian woman Erin Patterson surprised many by taking the stand in a Victoria court to profess her innocence. She stands accused of three counts of murder, and one of attempted murder, following a deathly beef wellington lunch back in 2023.
By law, defendants don't have to take the stand to give evidence. What can be gained, in the eyes of the jury, by doing so? You could come across as sincere, but you risk the opposite.
John Munro is a criminal defence lawyer based in Auckland, and he speaks to Emile Donovan about when the accused should and shouldn't take the stand.
Photo: ABC News
