United States v. Collins

DECISION

Contrary to paragraph 75c (2), Manual for Courts-Martial 1969 (Rev.), the military judge questioned the accused during his unsworn statement. However innocent the intent, this violation of the accused’s right to testimonial silence was error. United States v. Wells, 13 U.S.C.M.A. 627, 33 C.M.R. 159 (1963); United States v. Strivers, 12 U.S.C.M.A. 315, 30 C.M.R. 315 (1961); United States v. King, 12 U.S.C.M.A. 71, 30 C.M.R. 71 (1960); United States v. Suttles, 6 M.J. 921 (AFCMR 1979); United States v. Whitt, 9 M.J. 953 (NCMR 1980); United States v. Hayworth, 43 C.M.R. 509 (ACMR 1970).*

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