People v. McKenzie

Opinion

MOSK, J.

The sole issue on this appeal is whether reversal is appropriate after defense counsel expressly refuses to actively participate in his client’s trial. Counsel here attempted to justify his action on the ground that certain trial rulings made it impossible for him to effectively represent his client. Although we are extremely reluctant to appear to reward such tactics, we nevertheless conclude that reversal is necessary because, on this record, the defendant was unquestionably deprived of the effective assistance of counsel.

Defendant appeared in municipal court for arraignment…