People v. Woodward

Opinion

LUCAS, C. J.

In this criminal trial, after all the witnesses had testified, all the evidence had been admitted, and the prosecutor’s closing jury arguments had commenced, the trial court, without consulting defendant or his counsel, permitted the bailiff to lock the courtroom doors and post a sign that read, in part, “Trial in progress—Please do not enter.” The sign remained posted and the doors locked for about 90 minutes while the prosecutor completed his closing argument. Courtroom spectators who were already present were not required to leave, and (as the sign indicated) additional…