Trial.
Section 56
SEC. 56. Trial. — The defendant may interpose any lawful defense, including a counterclaim or plea in offset, for any sum not exceeding the limit of a justice of the peace, verbally, without written pleadings. The plaintiff may make an opening statement by himself, his agent or counsel, if he so desires, explaining the character of his claim, and the defendant, personally or by his agent or counsel, may make a like opening statement, if he so desires, explaining the character of his defense or counterclaim. Upon the conclusion of the opening statement, the court shall hear the testimony of the plaintiff and his witnesses; afterwards, the testimony of the defendant and his witnesses, all under the sanction of an oath. Upon the conclusion of the testimony in behalf of the defendant, the plaintiff may offer rebutting testimony. When the testimony has been closed, the defendant or his agent or counsel shall be heard in argument, if he so desires, and upon the conclusion of his argument the plaintiff or his agent or counsel shall be heard, if he so desires.