People v. Williams

Defendant was charged with carnal knowledge of a female minor. CLS 1961, § 750.520 (Stat Ann 1954 Rev § 28.788). He waived jury trial and was tried by the judge, convicted, and sentenced. He raises two questions on this appeal, namely: was he denied a public trial as guaranteed by State and Federal Constitutions and was his guilt proved beyond a reasonable doubt?

The trial was held in a small room adjoining the courtroom. Defendant did not object. The door from the small room to the courtroom was open. People in one part of the courtroom could see into the small room. The record does not…