Biller v. Director, Patuxent Institution

The interesting question posed by this appeal is whether a judge must be present when a jury renders its verdict in a civil case. The appellant, Robert Lee Biller, strenuously argues that the judge’s failure to be present in such a case, unless the parties have consented to his absence, constitutes reversible error. We agree with appellant, reverse the judgment of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County and remand the matter for a new trial. We now give our reasons.

Appellant pleaded guilty in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County to a criminal information charging him with arson. He was…