(a) The prosecuting attorney may then:(1) Read the indictment to the jury;(2) State the defendant's plea to the indictment and the punishment prescribed by law for the offense; and(3) Make a brief statement of the evidence on which the state relies.(b) The defendant or his or her counsel may then make a brief statement of the defense and the evidence upon which the defendant relies.Crim. Code, §§ 220, 221; C. & M. Dig., §§ 3171, 3172; Pope's Dig., §§ 4007, 4008; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 43-2110, 43-2111.
Arkansas Legal Code