People v. Williams

This case vividly illustrates the hazards of confusion and unintended injustice which seem to be inseparable from active judicial participation in the process commonly known as “plea bargaining.” Appellant originally pleaded not guilty to three counts of selling marijuana (Health & Saf. Code, § 11531) and two counts of selling dangerous drugs (Health & Saf. Code, § 11912). On the morning which had been set for trial, while the venire of prospective jurors waited in the courtroom, the judge conversed at length in chambers with the prosecutor and the defendant, who was attended by his wife and…