The trial of Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien resumes Monday, when an announcement is expected on whether he will take the witness stand in his own defence against bribery and influence-peddling charges.
O'Brien's lawyers will reveal whether they plan to call evidence or move directly to closing arguments.
Legal observers say the decision could be one of the most consequential of the two-month trial.
The charges against the mayor stem from allegations he encouraged fellow mayoral candidate Terry Kilrea to drop out of the 2006 municipal race in exchange for a federal appointment to the National Parole Board.
Justice Douglas Cunningham has refused to grant a directed verdict on the evidence presented thus far, shooting down an argument made by the mayor's legal team that claimed charges against the mayor were misapplied.
O'Brien's defence lawyers had argued influence peddling charges should only be applied if the accused gained financially, not politically.
However, the judge ruled on June 26 that the charges cover more than just economic benefit and the law considers an electoral "advantage" to fall within the Criminal Code.
