Chap. 39.—An ACT to allow persons charged with crime to testify in
, their own behalf. :

Approved January 21, 1886.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
in any case of felony or misdemeanor the accused may be sworn
and examined in his own behalf, and be subject to cross-exami-
nation as any other witness; but his failure to testify shall cre-
ate no presumption against him, nor be the subject of any
comment before the court or jury by the prosecuting attorney.

2. This act shall be in force from its passage.