It is likely the Friday is a short session. I believe it is the accused’s first appearance. Normally accused will not enter a plea in the first session. However, if the accused to enter a plea, there are usually 2 possibilities.
1. Accused plea “not guilty”, if that does occur, what normal occur is that the trial judge will enter another date for a full jury trial (especially the case for a murder trial), the trial might be set aside for another 1 or 2 month. During which time both accused will more than likely stay in police custody.
2. Accused plea “guilty’, if the guilty plea is entered, the prosecution will read out the sequence of events as provided by the police. Prosecution will then making final submission stating the nature of the crime, the harm the accused has caused etc. The defence council will than make a plea in mitigation. After trial judge heard the submission from both side, the trial judge usually would set another date for sentencing. Trial judge might sentence on the day, but due to the nature of the alleged crime, it is unlikely.
From personal experience, not a great deal would occur on the first session, everything might complete within 1 hour. The actual trial in the event of a “not guilty” plea and sentencing might involves more and longer court session.
Feel free to go to the court, but do not take a camera into the court room and switch off the mobile phone. The security guards in the Supreme Court can ask a lawyer or police officer to leave if later occurs. |