State v. McCoy

Defendant appealed from a conviction for murder, contending that it was error to receive in evidence letters written by him while awaiting trial in the Klamath County jail, which were delivered unsealed by him to the sheriff for mailing. The sheriff apparently read them and made copies, which were delivered to the state’s attorney. The Court of Appeals affirmed. 17 Or App 155, 521 P2d 1074 (1974). We granted defendant’s petition for review because the case presents serious questions concerning censorship of mail of persons in jail, including the question whether the constitutional rights of…