287Power of judge to record verdict of acquittal

287 Power of judge to record verdict of acquittal (1) If, on the trial of a person for an offence against this Act or any other territory law, the judge would have power to direct the jury to return a verdict of acquittal in respect of that offence, the judge may, instead of giving such a direction, make an order— (a) discharging the jury from returning a verdict in respect of that (b) recording a verdict of acquittal in respect of that offence. (2) An order under subsection (1) shall, for all purposes, have the same effect as a verdict of acquittal returned by a jury.