Page:Criminal Procedure Act 1865 (UKPGA Vict-28-29-18 qp).pdf/1



An Act for amending the Law of Evidence and Practice on Criminal Trials.

HEREAS it is expedient that the Law of Evidence and Practice on Trials for Felony and Misdemeanor and other Proceedings in Courts of Criminal Judicature should be more nearly assimilated to that on Trials at Nisi Prius: Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same, as follows; that is to say,

1. That the Provisions of Section Two of this Act shall apply to every Trial for Felony or Misdemeanor which shall be commenced on or after the First Day of July One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, and that the Provisions of Sections from Three to Eight, inclusive, of this Act shall apply to all Courts of Judicature, as well Criminal as all others, and to all Persons having, by Law or by Consent of Parties, Authority to hear, receive, and examine Evidence.

2. If any Prisoner or Prisoners, Defendant or Defendants, shall be defended by Counsel, but not otherwise, it shall be the Duty of Rh