Document: 393 U.S. 473 89 S.Ct. 704 21 L.Ed.2d 684 William SKINNER et al., petitioners,v.LOUISIANA. No. 44. Supreme Court of the United States January 27, 1969 George M. Leppert, New Orleans, La., for petitioners. Mrs. Louise Korns, respondent. On writ certiorari to Louisiana. PER CURIAM. 1 The is dismissed as improvidently granted. 2 Mr. Justice MARSHALL with whom Chief WARREN and DOUGLAS join, dissenting. 3 Petitioners were convicted possession sale marihuana given lengthy prison terms. Louisiana affirmed. State v. Skinner, 251 La. 300, 204 So.2d 370 (1967). We granted consider several alleged errors occurring during course state court proceedings. Skinner. Louisiana, 391 963, 88 2031, 20 876 (1968). 4 argued before this that they denied due process law because trial refused declare a recess, but instead allowed continue until nearly a. m.1 principal basis claim Gill, counsel Skinner Gueldner, had become ineffective illness. I believe failure recess when requested do so by Gill effectively deprived petitioners Gueldner right assistance guaranteed Sixth Fourteenth Amendments Constitution. 5 facts are relatively simple. After continuances, some Gill's illness, case commenced on morning March 21, 1966. was consumed selection jury proper did not commence 2:45 p. m. recessed from 6:15 8 dinner at 11:40 m., rested. At time, following colloquy took place between counsel: 6 'By MR. GILL. Before asking want say this. have done best could. am absolutely, you might mortally tired. ten, possibly twelve, witnesses witness stand. If Your Honor please, certainly trying put anything off. I'm 7 THE COURT. You been after me all day, Gill. I've gotten tired listening you. going see if we can't finish tonight. Go work I'll what says. 9 'BY sure everyone already asked wanted attempt tonight went it without talking much * *. 10 one thing, Honor. severe diabetes. 11 know ill having continuances top my duties perform too them case. will gladly give about three minutes then come back proceed 12 May further tested myself sugar. 13 take minutes. 14 respectfully request mistrial.' 15 Thereafter, 35 reconvened 12:25 defense presented its declared 9:30 next morning. When reconvened, both parties their arguments jury. 16 In motion new trial, erred in declaring held hearing issue, including question whether any jurors asleep trial.2 his physician testified hearing. time concluded he 'just dead [his] feet' not, either evening or morning, present type which entitled. He failed ask mistrial noticed juror sleeping called two possible witnesses. hospital week just finished shortly began. During earlier found necessary go bed His physical condition continued deteriorate entered weeks trial. 17 doctor days probable day suffering an acidotic diabetes nervous exhaustion. efficiency would two-thirds normal and, midnight, 'would be practically ineffective.' 18 sympathized pointed out docket cleared up only way 'force lawyers try cases.' denied. 19 record indicated conducted vigorous defense, reserving bills exception engaging court. testimony discounted supported Accordingly, no prejudice. argues granting recesses discretion abuse has demonstrated here. This frequently within See, e. g., Ungar Sarafite, 376 575, 589, 84 841, 921 (1964). Nevertheless, 'a myopic insistence upon expeditiousness face justifiable delay can render defend empty formality.' Ibid. It clear judge's concern resulted depriving effective counsel. made length day's lateness hour exhausted him. And familiar history health problems. Yet, could even tell level blood sugar, recess. think establishes seriously ill, knowledge irrelevant able credible defense; should required speculate performing capacity. Nor relevant more affirmative action establish secure continuance As himself testified, confirmed, nil. find hard calendars congested diabetic must forced early hours up. reverse convictions Gueldner. other absence petitioner hearings certain pre-trial motions, arraignment counsel, giving conspiracy charge charged information. All allege least observed assign allegation support argument session process. court, aft r none asleep.

Category: 0