When the examination of witnesses on the part of the people is closed, the defendant may produce any material witnesses, which witnesses must be sworn, examined and cross-examined in the presence of the defendant.

[(19-809) R.S., R.C., & C.L., sec. 7573; C.S., sec. 8751; I.C.A., sec. 19-709; am. 1969, ch. 467, sec. 4, p. 1339.]