Document: 465 U.S. 168 104 S.Ct. 944 79 L.Ed.2d 122 Dan V. McKASKLE, Acting Director, Texas Department of Corrections, Petitioner,v.Carl Edwin WIGGINS. No. 82-1135. Argued Nov. 9, 1983. Decided Jan. 23, 1984. Syllabus At his state robbery trial, respondent was permitted to proceed pro se, but the trial court appointed standby counsel assist him. Before and during frequently changed mind regarding counsel's role, objecting participation on some occasions agreeing it other occasions. Following conviction, unsuccessfully moved for a new ground that had unfairly interfered with presentation defense. After exhausting direct appellate habeas corpus review, filed petition in Federal District Court, claiming conduct deprived him right present own defense, as guaranteed by Faretta v. California, 422 806, 95 2525, 45 562. The Court denied petition, Appeals reversed, holding respondent's Sixth Amendment self-representation violated unsolicited overzealous counsel. Held: Respondent's defense not violated, since appears he allowed make appearances saw fit involvement held within reasonable limits. Pp. 173-187. (a) Counsel Clause implies defendant assistance at what is his, counsel's, trial. Here, record reveals accorded rights se control organization motions, argue points law, participate voir dire, question witnesses, address jury appropriate 173-175. (b) objectives affirming defendant's dignity autonomy allowing may be best possible can both achieved without categorically silencing In determining whether have been respected, primary focus must fair chance case way. Such rights, however, do impose limits extent participation. First, entitled preserve actual over chooses jury, and, second, consent should destroy jury's perception representing himself. 176-179. (c) appearance will undermined outside presence. this case, most incidents which complains occurred when courtroom, while those were regrettable, fully satisfied first limitation noted above. Respondent given ample opportunity position every matter discussed, all conflicts between resolved favor. 179-181. (d) It presence legitimately claim excessive acting se. Nevertheless, categorical bar unnecessary. where efforts primarily changes very difficult determine how much fact contrary desires. If elects appear before or complaints concerning subsequent lose their force. Once invites agrees any substantial counsel, presumed acquiescence, least until expressly unambiguously renews request silenced. 181-183. (e) A are judge appoints counsel—even objection—to relieve need explain enforce basic rules courtroom protocol overcoming routine obstacles stand way achievement clearly indicated goals. significant part involved such procedures, none status defendant. 183-185. (f) Aside from either approved attendant clerical procedural matters, comments front frequent enough seriously 185-187. 681 F.2d 266 (CA5, 1982), reversed. Leslie A. Benitez, Austin, Tex., petitioner. Craig Smyser, Houston, respondent, hac vice, special leave Court. Justice O'CONNOR delivered opinion 1 562 (1975), recognized also appoint "standby counsel" Today we decide role who objection play consistent protection rights. 2 * Carl Wiggins convicted sentenced life imprisonment recidivist. His conviction set aside because defective indictment. When retried again imprisonment. Standby trials. now challenges second 3 Prior hearing Wiggins' motion granted motion, R. 4a, simultaneously two attorneys act initially objected 11a. Shortly thereafter, asked they themselves requested bring objections directly attention court, consulting 37a. newly discovered original indictment defective, granted. 4 On April 16, 1973, about months began, stating wished rescind earlier waiver App. 54-55.1 next day filled out signed form captioned "Petition Appointment Order Thereon."2 Benjamin Samples. About month later an additional counsel.3 Five days another appointment form, Norvell Graham. 5 wishes respecting remained volatile approached. pretrial proceedings began June 4, announced would defending himself se; then firmly interfere presentations court. 8, 12, 39-40. reaffirmed desire following morning, 5, even court's insistence remain available consultation. 66-67. day, shortly thereafter interrupted cross-examination witness consult Graham off record. 201. Still later, agreed allow dire witness. 210. 6 started 6, Samples absence courtroom. 255. Later morning interrupt, 308, short after confer 310. reconvened afternoon, Samples' absence. 328. returned, 333. insisted initiate private consultations Wiggins. 345-346. end once found occasion interrupt examination 384. 7 7, opening statement jury. 486. willing one 546. July 31 denounced services provided. He 572b. 8 review federal relief. argued Faretta. Fifth Circuit Estelle, 266, rehearing denied, 691 213 (CA5 1982). counsel: 9 "[T]he rule establish today court-appointed 'to seen, heard.' By mean compete supersede Rather, there advisory purposes only, used sees fit." Id., F.2d, 273 (footnote omitted). 10 We accept Appeals' rule, reverse its judgment. II 11 considered criminal required exclusively through accused has provided only knowingly intelligently forgoes able abide procedure protocol. concluded "[u]nless acquiesced [representation counsel], presented Constitution, for, real sense, defense." U.S., 821, S.Ct., 2534. 12 § based long-standing recognition courts, language, structure, spirit Amendment. Under Amendment, accused, "informed nature cause accusation," confront "compulsory process obtaining witnesses favor." itself, permits "to Assistance defense," what, all, B 13 plainly encompasses certain specific voice heard. content these 14 order preparation transcript He, waived receipt ready 7-11, 65-66. twelve motions proceedings.4 alone conducted defense's prospective jurors5 made 347-348. 15 numerous course trial.6 cross-examined prosecution's freely, 26-30, 199-206, 224-226, 228-237, 269-286, 290-292, 296-301, 310, 319-326, 332-336, 434-447, 455-468, 532-534, registered objections, 237, 238, 317, 318, 352, 353-359, 418-420, 450, 484, 485, 497, 502-503, 536. Throughout selected 47, 56, 60-61, 348, 368, 381, 383, 384, 393, 396, 398-399, 403, 408, 412, 413, 424, examined them, 47-55, 349-351, 363-367, 368-373, 374-376, 380-381, 381-382, 383-384, 384-387, 399-401, 404-407, 408-412, 424-426, decided questions 414, 449-450, called, 390, 415, 422. Against advice, rested. 413. charges 471-473, suggested charge, 473-478. obtained removal proposed express objection, 478, verdict supplied 479, gave closing argument 490-497. elected go punishment phase 69, stage well, 540-541. C 16 complaint directed placed none. instead allegedly inadequate abandoned objection; contends impaired distracting, intrusive, throughout III 17 claims, agreed, insist presenting wholly free interruption uninvited relies sole reference 18 "Of course, State may—even 'standby counsel' aid if requests help, represent event termination necessary. See United States Dougherty, 154 U.S.App.D.C. 76, 87-89, 473 1113, 1124-1126." 834 n. 46, 2540 46. 19 "if when" language defines role. argues eviscerated defendant, wishes, take steps specifically 20 our view, logic citation Dougherty indicate no absolute intended. exists affirm may, occasionally, accused's Both 21 itself dealt affirmative participate, involvement. heard accorded, see supra, p. 174-175, core self-representation. 22 recognize, nonetheless, speak oneself entails more than add one's cacophony others. As contends, underlying excessively intrusive concerned multiple voices "for defense" confuse message convey, thus defeating objectives.7 Accordingly, participation.8 23 This right. effectively allows substantially tactical decisions, questioning importance, eroded. 24 Second, himself.9 conducting important individual autonomy. related contexts courts stages Snyder Massachusetts, 291 97, 54 330, 78 L.Ed. 674 (1934), normally forced shackles prison garb, Estelle Williams, 425 501, 504-505, 96 1691, 1693, 48 126 (1976), testimony behalf, Harris New York, 401 222, 225, 91 643, 645, 28 (1971); Brooks Tennessee, 406 605, 612, 92 1891, 1895, 32 358 (1972). Appearing equally From perspective, conveyed depend messenger itself. point importance lawyers know being exercised. IV 25 Participation engages limitations. judge, receives supervises capable differentiating claims Cf. Martinez, 597 509, 510-511 (CA5), cert. 444 979, 100 62 405 (1979); Penick, 496 1105, 1108 (CA7), 419 897, 177, 42 141 (1974); Reeves, 348 469 (CA2 1965), 383 929, 86 936, 848 (1966). unacceptably 26 Thus, adequately vindicated freely behalf disagreements favor whenever left discretion counsel.10 27 Most explained views disagreement dictated strategies into record,11 testimony, urged summoning witnesses. several adopted initiatives. quash panel, example, joined motion. 81-82. seconded police report photographs. 51-52, 54. twice, exception denial.12 29 strongly opposed initiatives resisted suggestion postponed so prior could prepared,13 10-day period, invoke. 64-66. discussion discovery indignantly demanded further invitation. Later, successfully inclusion instructions charge felt included. 476-478. 30 acrimonious exchange dire. suggests typical overbearing conduct, fails place incident context. 210, attempted mid-stream. Plainly exasperated, profanity curtly "[s]it down."14 Though standard outlined. discussed. time think matters over, problems concerns informally, participated actively, orderly manner. instance result indecision abundant contentions Equally important, repeatedly strategic choices, prevail. 12-13, 65, 223-224, 306-308, 341-342, 345-346, 414-415, 427, 430, 477-478. Not granted, discretion. V 33 problematic. here This, turn, erode dignitary values intended promote undercut effective Nonetheless, believe 34 measuring against standards described, sight conduct. waive approval is, constitutionally unobjectionable. invitation obliterates diminishes general unreasonably 35 Although self evidence, easily overlooked. like Wiggins, vehemently objects beginning quite different progresses. Even insists waiving solicitation acquiescence types undermines protestations unacceptably. 36 own, Early entirely assistance, warmly embraced Initially presence; refused absence; long presence, initiated approval. 210-223, 241-243; 486-489. circumstances desires moment. 37 does require permit "hybrid" representation type actually allowed. But constitutional choreograph 38 infringed assists evidentiary completion task, introducing evidence shown complete. Nor merely helps ensure compliance procedure. neither interference likelihood eroded slight, tolerable. receive personal instruction Constitution judges chores attended trained course. much. "The license abuse Neither comply relevant substantive law." 39 explicit already implicit Faretta: steer procedures permissible unlikely somewhat 40 mechanics described—informing whereabouts supplying needed elect explaining witness, on. 11-12, 45, 50, 191, 206, 232, 251, 254, 255, 391, 404, 406, 471. introduce document failed mark identification lay predicate introduction, suggestion, questioned predicate, resumed examination. 293-296. Similarly, instructed 204-205, 207-208, 248, 272, 395, 402. 41 Notwithstanding find aspects irreproachable. None defense; reasonably thought Putting infrequent innocuous. witness's answer put 204, 287. trivial. briefly excused subsequently cautionary objection. mistrial three times 262, 421-422, 498-499. Each response prejudicial prosecutor. did comment two. All immediately Regrettably, exasperation occasion.15 Finally, played active supplies explanation sudden change regard. surmise appearing interests. 43 statements guilt consent, occupy small portion transcript. unobjectionable, mechanical sort. While serve model future trials, fell infringing unquestionably maintained times. 44 persuaded outset carefully 84. jurors prosecutor's often advance arrangement. contrast, interruptions few perfunctory. prosecutor.16 little threat view articulated. rare aired consistently ruled pattern likely reinforce detract controlling defense.17 intrusions simply VI 46 affirmed recognize wish dance solo, pas de deux. generally respect preference. excluded altogether, especially tacit consent. fit. judgment 47 therefore Reversed. 49 BLACKMUN concurs result. 50 WHITE, whom BRENNAN MARSHALL join, dissenting. 51 Just accords fundamental also, recognized, embodies "the correlative dispense lawyer's help," Adams ex rel. McCann, 317 269, 279, 63 236, 241, 87 268 (1942), manage (1975). I believe, "undeniable prosecutions defendants better defend guidance unskilled efforts." 834, 2540. "Faretta establishes competently effectively." Jones Barnes, 463 ----, 103 3308, 3316, 77 987 (1983) (BRENNAN, J., dissenting). personal," Faretta, 2540, text structure well common-law jurisprudence emerged, comport "a nearly universal people forcing lawyer upon unwilling truly wants so." 817, 2532. knowingly, intelligently, voluntarily refuse government-appointed attorney develop 835-836, 2541. 52 granting himself, designated clear served purely capacity. One soon assume proceedings, protested frustrating informed wanted not,1 instruct volunteer Wiggins.2 53 State's bifurcated smoothly, "continuously jury." 269-270, addition making too cite, twice cursed, petitioner characterizes "limited" "intermittent," nothing farther truth. intervened manner permission three-day trial; many precipitated 3-54. calling ruling favor, mere existence disrupted turned ordeal suffer. See, e.g., 29; 423. moreover, blatantly attempt bench, see, 20, knowing subtly adversely affected extensive 55 trouble concluding tacitly prevented empowered defendants, declared "court-appointed " 273. clear, "is . Ibid. (footnotes 56 cases interjections "few innocuous"; reversal necessary "every interests client, volunteer[s] permission." 274. continuous intervention despite repeated demands passive "anything negative impact destroyed 275 (emphasis original). demonstrate prejudiced 57 Disagreeing respects, Appeals. 58 holds seen-but-not-heard improperly encroached rigid restrictive above, hold volunteered series instances violate Nor, understand it, prevent directing proper insisting agree inject burdened educating learn needs below contrary. my standard, accused—appoint 835, 2541, applied acceptable event, seems me proffers poor substitute approach 59 observes, ante, 173, situation attorney. unlike took concludes, basis record, afforded way," "counsel's limits." 188. arrives conclusion applying two-part test that, judgment, provides judges, imposes difficult, impossible, burdens undoubtedly lead swift erosion defendants' 60 Court's test, retained "actual [chose] jury," 178, "destroy[ed] [was] himself." purports protect unclear achieve 61 say, prong bench proceeding virtually untrammeled factual legal object. context control" apparent real. "make decisions." Unless overrides strategy almost incapable assessing subtle not-so-subtle effects "matter[s] discretion," 181, produce requiring choose another. opinion, burden apparently fall comprehend submissions create resolve. way, surely prove safeguarding interest derives. solicitous intervenes test's suffers similar shortcomings. To discern harbor doubts, decisions will, extent, "affirm autonomy." Ante, 178. incompletely, focusing majority ignores emphasis justice system, adheres result-oriented harmless error reject. 177-178, 8. guide lower deficient. Instead encouraging limited them clients' clients renew draw line. Trial sea. They overtly muzzling resolve places few, any, participation; requires subjective judgments effect actions Because consider isolated challenged impressions entire These suffer lack inability unwillingness inquiries necessitated test. 64 short, unworkable insufficiently protective 65 inappropriateness manifest passes muster under standard. grievously exceeding distracted usurped prerogatives,3 altered tenor trial,4 controlled fate, induced belief—most assuredly unfounded, sincerely nevertheless law contrive[d] him," ibid.; 78-81; 679, 700-701, 716-717, reduced credibility eyes continue cease, means indeed "standby" action choose, desired inimical whatever advantage satisfaction might hoped derive self-representation, ABA Standards Criminal 6-3.6(a) (2d ed. 1980), nullified tolerance 66 reaches pinning blame dissecting activities discrete categories failing overall impact. tactics, factfinding, function district courts. withstand scrutiny. Particularly capacity, cannot expected object action. initial decision tend impress futility continuing impression seeks convey violation immunize judicial review. approval, authorized perform representational give rise presumption sanctioned glaring blessing.5 67 Considered isolation, inconsequential. compartmentalize actions, understandable, has, led ignore cumulative rests proposition transgression constitutes reversible error, quarrel reasoning. innocuous perhaps characterized—in line holding—as error; conclude level violation. formulation preferable,6 unnecessary prevail view. 68 govern announcing remanding reconsideration light rather undertaking apply instance. That roles functions appeals. 69 With due respect, dissent letter stated: "I —and honorable me. appreciate Honorable Stewart J. Alexander previously appeal, sentence aside. "And apologize caused inconvenience court." 584 (original emphasis). read: "Now comes above styled numbered cause, respectfully petitions said felony show employ counsel." 586. read pertinent part: indicted four (4) same offense. According Higgins Snow State, dismissed—and according VACCP Art. 28.13, should'nt [sic] tried again. Will you please cite authorities issue, state. indicating prosecution barred. other-wise [sic]." 623 included discovery, 14, indictment, double jeopardy claim, 17-22, limine relief, 23-24, correct offense report, 31, exculpatory material file, 33, keep marked 42, sequester 44-45, limine, 57-58, venue (withdrawn defendant), 59, speedy 60, shuffle, 67-68, fees, 69-70. venire, 101-103, thirty-three venirepersons. 106-185. acquittal, investigator. 342-344, 392-393, 394-395. help hindrance come call prosecutor faithfully exercises duty favorable plural speaking amicus Brown States, 105 77, 83, 264 363, 369 (CADC 1959) (Judge Burger, concurring part). Since exercised usually increases outcome unfavorable denial amenable "harmless error" analysis. respected denied; deprivation harmless. corollary, "cannot complain quality amounted 'effective counsel.' Moreover, larger designed guilty charged. rulings reconciling usual deference "judgment calls" issues obtain elsewhere. anticipated requirement. footnote cited pages statement: utility dependent cooperation [the] understanding, too, merit include defeated conspicuous attorney, unless U.S.App.D.C., 88, 1125 American Bar Association, For 6-3.7. 1980) (standby "call judge's her ."); Uniform Rules Procedure 711 (1974) (same); Mayberry Pennsylvania, 400 455, 467-468, 499, 505-506, 539 (1971) (BURGER, C.J., concurring) (same). 344-345, 427-428, 478. 243, 246; 447, 449. react 32. 7-9. came regret unavailability transcript, claimed never it. 252-254. 215, 218, 223. full finished. 228-237. "MR. GRAHAM: Objection, Your Honor. testifying. "THE COURT: Don't lead. ask disregard remarks case. last Mr. Rodriguez. instruction, am sure mistrial. "DEFENDANT: No, counsel— Overruled. Jesus Christ." 421-422. fifteen argument. 196, 261-262, 301, 302, 304, 339-340, 420-421, 498, 501. pedestrian hearsay, leading conclusion, one, sustained note asked, motions. scrutiny here. count retired deliberate guilt. tell, 287, 307, 341, 356, 389, seven 207, 244, 327, 373, 392, 424. Likewise, conferences, off-the-record Eight 201, 333, 340, (two), 407, 469; remaining three, 280, 337, 412. Certainly expressed responsible delays interruptions. 397. circumstances, significantly control, Honor, myself. sir man let Certainly. Help yourself. grateful. solicited don't want You going get and/or obviously lawyer. Yes sir. And law. be. determine. assistant something want, advice. counsels [sic ] then, couldn't that." 8-9. ten far concerned? DEFENDANT: Yes, expect yourself se? fact, may. that. Now, use It's sir, initiative here, that? Well— mean, Graham's wouldn't asking Well, competent experience thing trying thinks you. anything. problem arises, time. to. defendant? availability, yes. May except Honor?" 13-14. court: say peculiar me, Honor really sit third chair move back notch. Graham, suggest consults you—you your anyway, doesn't something." 30-31. admonition, continued accord disrupt cogently observed context, "[n]umerous extended, Every experienced advocate recall disconcerting follow opposing arguments client 'plucks attorney's sleeve' offering gratuitous suggestions." 4-5.2 1980). Among things, created conferences disruptive, vexatious, possibly 15-3.9 acknowledged attribute solely unpersuasive. attributes penalty interests, plausible assumption up phase. renders traditional doctrine peculiarly inapposite. Unlike 'result-oriented.' normal operation facilitate insulate suspect evidence. belief thereby stands winning axiomatic notion each person ultimately choosing including moral hour embrace consequences action." Chapman 553 886, 891 1977). Moreno 717 171, 1983); Bittaker Enomoto, 587 400, 402-403 (CA9 1978), 441 913, 99 2013, 386 90-92, 1127-1130 (1972); Plattner, 330 271, 1964); People Tyner, 76 Cal.App.3d 143 Cal.Rptr. 52, (1977). Sharp, Cal.3d 448, 462-463, 233, 499 P.2d 489, 498 (1972), 410 944, 93 1380, 610 (1973); Burney 244 Ga. 37, 257 S.E.2d 543, 547, 970, 463, 385 Kirby, 198 Neb. 646, 648-649, 254 N.W.2d 426 Walker Loggins, 608 731, 736 1979) (Carter, completely denies application harmless-error inhibited ability so, denigration characterized minimis, error. If, acted automatically inquiry

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