Opinion ID: 217673
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Recess

Text: Mr. Thornburgh next argues that the district court should have ordered a recess on the two occasions where Mr. Thornburgh was excused from attendance so that he could receive medical care. Mr. Thornburgh, however, clearly waived his right to be present on the day or days that he was absent. 9 He may not now claim “error” as a result of something he both clearly waived and also invited. The facts surrounding this issue are as follows: At one point during his trial, Mr. Thornburgh’s attorney advised the court that Mr. Thornburgh had a “medical situation” and that he had “been advised that he needs to seek medical attention.” Tr. of Jury Trial, Fishman R. Vol. 3, Part 6 at 725. When the court inquired if Mr. Thornburgh wished to go to the Oklahoma Heart Institute, his attorney stated that he had discussed the situation with Mr. Thornburgh, and they had decided that “today would be [a] good time for him to seek medical attention, maybe get better, so that he can return to court in a healthy role, where he may even be more needed to confront the witnesses.” Id. at 726. The parties then agreed on the language to be used to instruct the jury about Mr. Thornburgh’s absence, and Mr. Thornburgh left to receive medical treatment. The transcript reveals that the district court was very solicitous of Mr. Thornburgh and made it very clear that Mr. Thornburgh’s absence was voluntary. 9 It is unclear exactly how much time Mr. Thornburgh was absent from the court for medical tests. It appears to have been for some indeterminate time on two occasions. -30- Furthermore, Mr. Thornburgh’s counsel not only did not move for a continuance, he expressly stated to the court that he thought it best for his client for the trial to continue without interruption. Thus, the court committed no error in permitting Mr. Thornburgh to leave for a short time to attend to his health issues.