Without taking the stand, he gave an opening statement that let the jury hear his side of the events without subjecting himself to cross-examination by the state. He also told his story without the jury learning that he’s a Megan’s Law offender whose criminal history includes threatening behavior.[pressofatlanticcity.com]

It's probably a good idea to have at least a pedestrian knowledge of how the court system works. You never know when you won't have any choice but to defend yourself ...