Thompson v. People

Citations

• 144 Ill. 378
• 32 N.E. 968
• 1893 Ill. LEXIS 1141

Syllabus

<p>1. Practice — absence of judge from the bench, during argument. Under the law a person on trial for a serious crime, which may deprive him of his liberty, has the right to the presence of the presiding judge during the argument of the case to the jury, and his absence during the closing remarks of the State’s Attorney, so as not to be able to pass upon objections to statements made by him, is an error of such magnitude as. to call for a reversal of a judgment of conviction.</p> <p>3. Same — argument of counsel —part of the trial — rights of defendant. On the trial of a criminal case before a jury the defendant has the right to be heard before the jury in person or by counsel, as he may elect. This is a right guaranteed by law. Indeed, the argument before the jury is a part of the trial of the cause, as well as the introduction of evidence to prove the guilt or innocence of the defendant, or any other fact at issue on the trial.</p>