The Prasad direction remains lawful in Victoria but should only be given rarely, where the prosecution case is particularly weak, the case is not of significant complexity, and the jury can make a sensible assessment without closing addresses or a full judicial charge. A Prasad direction should almost never be given in multi-accused cases and must be accompanied by adequate legal directions and evidentiary warnings. The Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic) and Jury Directions Act 2015 (Vic) have not abrogated the practice.
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