the written statements are known as pleadings
(NOT the accounts of oral testimony whether or not they are pleaded)
and they will have this / these
and they will know the charge - mairder (*)
and their law books-
and in this case the need or not to tell the jury about alternative charges / verdicts ( manslaughter )
they wont know what the prosecution is gonna say until the leader opens his mouth
here
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/alleged-conspiracy-supply-cannabis-trial-6483634
here the Crown opened - and the defence said - they need the attorney generals permission to do that dont they?
( cross border drugs supply - it has to be a crime in both coutnries)
Judge Niklas Parry said - carry on we will see
and on day five he said - yeah they do
cas dismissed
from the article the wasted costs order Mr Barracliff sought was over a million smackers
so long answer for 'yes and no'
( I dont do law by the way)