Ex parte Huff

These are original proceedings in habeas corpus which we have consolidated for determination.

A jury trial was being conducted in the courthouse at Alton, Oregon County, Missouri, on February 19, 1973, in a case entitled “State of Missouri -vs- Dorris Huff.” 1 During a trial recess, a bystander reported to the judge that while in the hallway outside the courtroom he overheard defendant Huff (contrary to the court’s admonition not to discuss the case with the jurors) say to juror Phillip Roberts, “Stay right in there.” Defendant Huff, juror Roberts and the bystander were immediately summoned to…