State v. Erickson

¶1 David Erickson appeals his conviction of two counts of first degree child rape. He argues that the trial court denied him his constitutional right to public trial by allowing private questioning of prospective jurors. We reverse and remand for a new trial.1

*203FACTS

¶2 The State charged Erickson with two counts of first degree child rape. Before trial, the court asked whether the parties wanted to give the prospective jurors a questionnaire before beginning voir dire. The prosecutor responded, “I’m hopeful that [defense counsel] and I can agree on one that we can present to the Court. We both…