People v. McKaig

On July 26, 1977, defendants Michael McKaig and William Loewe were found guilty in a bench trial of unarmed robbery, MCL 750.530; MSA 28.798. They were sentenced on August 9, 1977, and appeal as of right.

Michigan law requires that in order for a defendant to effectively waive his right to a jury trial, he must make a written waiver in open court. MCL 763.3; MSA 28.856:

"In all criminal cases arising in the courts of this state whether cognizable by justices of the peace or otherwise, the defendant shall have the right to waive a determination of the facts by a jury and may, if he so elect, be…