Court Opinion

ID: 9545978
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 17:23:02.569105+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:15:50.890120
License: Public Domain

BUSSEY, Judge
(concurring).
Judge BRETT joins me in stating that we are in complete accord with the excellent opinion of our colleague, Judge NIX, and we wish to add only a few observations.
The defendant in the instant case has urged that this Court dismiss his appeal and allow-him to be executed in accordance with the judgment and sentence imposed against him.
This Court is charged with the solemn obligation of reviewing every case brought before it to determine if the defendant received that fair and impartial trial guaranteed by the Constitution and the Statutes of this State, and this duty is emphasized in a •capital case. No person has the right to be executed at the hand of the State, nor, may he decree the punishment to be inflicted upon him for his criminal acts. Such-matters are vested in the Sovereign power of the State — in its Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches.
Under our system of jurisprudence there is but one standard by which our laws are interpreted and enforced. That standard is known as Due Process of Law. It guarantees a fair and impartial trial to the guilty and to the innocent alike. It is the unique symbol of freedom and democracy and when denied to any citizen, it results in a denial to all.
We have determined that the defendant did not receive that fair and impartial trial which the Constitution and the Statutes of this State require and are accordingly reversing and remanding this cause for a new trial.
When brought again before the trial judge, the defendant may waive his right to a jury trial and enter a plea of guilty, in which event, it' will be the duty of the trial court to impose the judgment and sentence of the law; or, the defendant may be tried by a jury and leave to them the determination of his guilt or innocence and the punishment to be imposed therefor.
Justice requires no more, nor will be satisfied with less.