Richards v. State

John and Janies Richards were jointly indicted for murder, and tried together. Both were convicted' — James of an assault and battery, and John of voluntary manslaughter. The latter only has appealed. After the conclusion of the State’s evidence, the defendants announced their purpose to testify as witnesses, each for himself. James was first offered for examination, whereupon the Court, on motion of the District Attorney, ordered that John should be placed under the rule, and excluded from the court-room during the examination of his co-defendant. To this ruling, and against his consequent…