State v. Brewer

Following the denial of appellant’s motion to proceed pro se in this capital case, we issued a writ of certiorari to review the decision of the circuit court. We reverse.

It is well-established that an accused may waive the right to counsel and proceed pro se. Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 45 L.Ed.2d 562 (1975); State v. Dixon, 269 S.C. 107, 236 S.E.2d 419 (1977). Although a defendant’s decision to proceed pro se may.be to the defendant’s own detriment, it “must be honored out of that respect for the individual which is the lifeblood of the law.” Faretta v. California,…