Sean Combs trial heads to final phases as legal teams rest case

Both legal teams in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs rested their case on June 24, ushering in the final phases of the high-profile proceedings gripping a Manhattan federal courthouse.

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NEW YORK -

US prosecutors finished questioning their 34th and final witness in the seventh week of testimony, after which the defense delivered a brief case and opted against calling anyone further to the stand.

That included Combs himself - it is common for defendants not to testify in their own trial, as taking the microphone could open them up to potentially incriminating themselves.

In a short, standard exchange with Judge Arun Subramanian, the singer confirmed that he would not take the stand on his own behalf.

"Is it your decision not to testify in this case?" the judge asked, to which he responded: "That is my decision, your honor.

"It is solely my decision," he continued, before adding that he came to that conclusion "with my lawyers".

"It's my decision to make. I'm making this freely."

The defense rested after presenting a number of exhibits, a process that lasted less than half an hour.

It is not abnormal for defense teams to opt against presenting witnesses. The obligation to prove guilt lies on prosecutors, and unless jurors decide they have, the defendant is presumed innocent.