Court Opinion

ID: 9532616
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 04:23:15.812969+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:28:47.643961
License: Public Domain

HERRMANN, Chief Justice
(concurring):
I concur because I believe any error in this case is harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.
I take the occasion, however, to express disapproval of the delivery of “justice by mail”, under any circumstances, at the verdict or sentence stage of a felony case. Our Rules should be broadly construed, or amended if necessary, to the end that such practice, limited as it may be, cease.
The spirit of the common law and our Rules of Court require, I believe, that the defendant in a felony case be present in the court room to “look upon” the judge or jury when guilt is pronounced, and upon the judge when sentence is imposed. Our system of justice requires more than the delivery of any such “message” by mail, from *1315court or counsel, to the prisoner in his cell. Such practice engenders, I fear, a misunderstanding and bitterness against “the system” on the part of a prisoner which we should strive to avoid.