Singapore legislation
Section 187
Section 187
Commencement of trial
(1)
When the court is ready to commence the trial, the accused shall appear or be brought before it and the charge shall be read and explained to him and he shall be asked whether he is guilty of the offence charged or claims to be tried.
(2)
If the accused pleads guilty the plea shall be recorded, and he may be convicted on it.
(3)
If the accused refuses to plead or does not plead, or if he claims to be tried, the court shall —
(a)
proceed to try the case; or
(b)
if the accused was committed for trial under section 139, order him to be brought before an examining Magistrate for a preliminary inquiry. [186