If the accused elects to reserve his or her defence (that is, he or she chooses not to respond to the charge at this stage), the magistrate must commit him or her for trial. If the accused elects to make his or her defence, this may be done by means of a written statement or an oral statement that is taken down in writing by the magistrate. After hearing the defence, the magistrate may either discharge the accused or commit him or her for trial.