Court Opinion

ID: 8340051
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-10-17 23:34:46.126636+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:45:37.902186
License: Public Domain

By the Court.
"We are unanimously of opinion, that on the trial of a felony it is error to proceed, at any stage of the trial, during the enforced absence of the accused, save only in the matter of the secret deliberations of the *210jury, and perhaps in the hearing of motions after verdict and before judgment.
It was the right of the plaintiff in error to be present at each and every instruction given to the jury as to the law of the case. This right was denied to him by reason of his imprisonment under the order of the court; and without inquiry as to the correctness of the instruction so given in his absence, it will be presumed that he was prejudiced thereby.
Nor was the irregularity cured by the presence of his counsel at the time the additional instruction was given, and his failure to make objections. The right of the accused to be present on the trial of such case can not be waived by counsel.

Judgment reversed and new trial granted.