Case ID: mich-app_16/html/0574-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Per Curiam.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

CITY OF DETROIT v. COLLING
    Trial — Due Process — Defense—Presentation—Prejudice.
    The right to present a defense is basic in every lawsuit of every hind, and a conviction must be reversed where the trial court’s actions in interrupting defense counsel and in argumentatively questioning witnesses effectively prevented defense counsel from presenting arguments to the court.
    Reference for Points in Headnote
    
      p3 Am Jur, Trial §§ 88, 89, 92, 93.
    Appeal from Recorder’s Court of Detroit, Richard M. Maher, J.
    Submitted Division 1 February 11, 1969, at Detroit.
    (Docket No. 4,493.)
    Decided March 26, 1969.
    Arthur W. Colling, Jr., was convicted of ogling in violation of city ordinance. Defendant appeals.
    Reversed.
    
      William R. McFadden, for defendant on appeal.
    BEFORE: Fitzgerald, P. J., and R. B. Burns and Bronson, JJ.
   Per Curiam.

Defendant was convicted of ogling under § 39-1-36, municipal code of Detroit, and sentenced to two years’ probation and • a fine of $75 or 10 days’ confinement.

The evidence showed that defendant had followed a 12-year-old female in his car, had smiled at her and gestured to lier to come to his car. Defendant tried to block her path as she crossed a street; however, complainant ran to a group of girls and at this time defendant drove away. Complainant picked defendant from a lineup and testified in court that he was the ogler.

The main issue, presented on this appeal is concerned with whether the trial court’s actions regarding the examination of .witnesses and interference with defense counsel’s attempt to make final argument deprived defendant of due process of law. It is our finding that the actions of the trial court were clearly prejudicial in interrupting counsel on occasion and by argumentatively questioning witnesses. The counsel for defense never was permitted effectively to present arguments to the court. We agree with the court in Decker v. State (1925), 113 Ohio St 512 (150 NE 74), “The right to present a defense is basic, in every lawsuit of every kind whatever.”

In view of Decker, supra, and the conduct of the lower court, we reverse the decision. In light of the reversal on the first question raised, there is no need to discuss other issues raised by appellant.

Reversed.