Court Opinion

ID: 9716915
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 06:53:50.913709+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:50.034032
License: Public Domain

Nolan, J.
(dissenting). This result represents a quintessential example of the triumph of form over substance. The substance of this case is that the jury heard the evidence and decided that, beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant was guilty of serious crimes. The form was the violation (conceded) of the rule to which the defendant never objected, although he had ample opportunity.
The judge warned the alternate jurors not to participate or to say anything. There is no indication that they violated these instructions. There is not the faintest suggestion in the record that they participated in or even spoke during the deliberations.
At most, the court today should urge trial judges to comply with the rule. To do more in this case is to interfere with the orderly criminal justice process.
I dissent.