Robinson v. State

Hill, J.:

*227 *212 It is not an easy decision to grant a new trial to a man after he has been convicted of killing another human being and that conviction has been upheld on appeal. But more important than the severity of a crime is the fundamental principle of American law-all accused must receive a fair trial, even those accused of setting an apartment house fire that caused the death of a tenant. That legal principle led the judge here to make such a decision and order a new trial for Frank Robinson. Based on the judge's thoughtful and thorough written opinion, and our review of the record, we…