Opinion ID: 201354
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Lack of Judicial Instructions on Right to Testify

Text: 20 Glenn asks us to overturn an earlier decision of this court in Siciliano v. Vose, 834 F.2d 29 (1st Cir.1987), which held that the trial court is not constitutionally required to advise the defendant of his right to testify or to procure an express waiver of that right from the defendant. Id. at 30. The reasoning of Siciliano, that such a rule might unduly pressure the defendant to waive his more fragile constitutional right not to testify, retains force. Id. at 30. Moreover, only an en banc court or intervening controlling law may reverse the rule established by an earlier panel. See Charlesbank Equity Fund II v. Blinds To Go, Inc., 370 F.3d 151, 160 & n. 4 (1st Cir.2004). Even were we free to do so, we would not.