PEOPLE v. MELLO, C035295
Although the judge's motive was admirable (to exclude racial bias from jury selection), his method (instructing prospective jurors to lie under oath) was grave error which both undermined defendant's ability to secure a fair and impartial jury, and adversely affected the fundamental truth-finding function of the jury.
Appellate Information
- Decided 04/08/2002
- Published 04/08/2002
Judges
Court
- California Court of Appeal
Counsel
- For Appellees:
- Balin & Kotler and Eileen S. Kotler, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, Pacifica, for Defendant and Appellant., Bill Lockyer, Attorney General, David P. Druliner, Chief Assistant Attorney General, Robert R. Anderson, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Michael A. Canzoneri, Supervising Deputy Attorney General, Julia Bancroft and David A. Rhodes, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.