People v. Jackson CA2/6

BACKGROUND

In 2014, Jackson was serving an eight year prison term for residential burglary. A custodial officer searched him and found marijuana and two cell phones. The resulting new charges exposed Jackson to nine additional years in prison. During the year prior to trial, Jackson did not show any sign of bizarre behavior or mental illness, until the court set the case for trial. Jackson appeared in court approximately 18 times after the preliminary hearing. On the date set for trial, March 10, 2015,2 Jackson refused to leave his cell. A custodial officer admonished him that the case would proceed in his absence. The court trailed the matter to March 17. Jackson did not appear in court on March 17. His attorney said, “my client does not want me to announce ready for trial. I have no good cause to seek a continuance.” The court transferred the case for trial assignment. Jackson appeared for the trial assignment later that morning. He participated with his attorney in settlement negotiations. He made a Marsden3 motion which the court denied. The court assigned the matter for trial. Jackson said, “I object.” The court reassigned the case to another judge. In the trial judge’s…