State v. Alston

Pee Cxjeiam.

When the defendant came before the Bar, the presiding judge was most solicitous. He emphasized that the defendant was entitled to an attorney and did everything but force the defendant to accept the services of court-appointed and expense-free counsel. The defendant was emphatic in his refusal. He told the Court that “[he] could do it [defend himself] as well as any lawyer.” The Court then apparently reluctantly permitted the defendant to go to trial after having made findings in full compliance with Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 58 S. Ct. 1019, 82 L. ed. 1461, and Powell v.…