17Competence and compellability – defendants in criminal

17 Competence and compellability – defendants in criminal proceedings (1) This section applies only in a criminal proceeding. (2) A defendant is not competent to give evidence as a witness for the prosecution. (3) An associated defendant is not compellable to give evidence for or against a defendant in a criminal proceeding, unless the associated defendant is being tried separately from the defendant. Evidence (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 9 (4) If a witness is an associated defendant who is being tried jointly with the defendant in the proceeding, the court is to satisfy itself (if there is a jury, in the jury's absence) that the witness is aware of the effect of subsection (3). Note for subsections (3) and (4) associated defendant is defined in the Dictionary.