California · Penal Code

PEN §865: The witnesses must be examined in the presence of the defendant, and may be cross-examined in his behalf.

What this law says, in plain English

Witnesses must be examined while the defendant is present and may be questioned on the defendant's behalf.

Read the full statutory text
The witnesses must be examined in the presence of the defendant, and may be cross-examined in his behalf.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.