In re Mahon
In re Mahon
Opinion of the Court
We are reviewing by petition for certiorari and habeas corpus. After Edward M. Mahon was found guilty of gross indecency, a petition for examination of him by psychiatrists was filed by the Wayne county prosecuting attorney. The court appointed a psychiatric commission, and on February 11, 1955, this commission filed its report, and a copy was forwarded to Mahon’s counsel on February 15, 1955.
Proceedings on the petition were commenced before the recorder’s court on March 1, 1955. Dr. Wallaert, one of the psychiatric commission, was sworn, examined and cross-examined and after identifying the commission’s report and reading same to the court, Mahon’s counsel objected on the ground that he was not provided with notice of his right to a jury trial.
CDS 1954, §780.505 (Stat Ann 1954 Eev §28.967 15]), provides that:
“Upon a hearing held for that purpose the court without a jury, unless a jury is demanded within 15 days after the filing and service upon the accused or his counsel of said reports with notice thereto attached, to the defendant, of his right to demand a jury trial, shall ascertain whether or not such person is a criminal sexual psychopathic person.”
Mahon contends that the provision of the above-mentioned statute requiring notice to the accused of his right to demand a jury trial is mandatory and that no trial could be had until 15 days after service of such notice, unless accused, within said 15 days, demanded a jury trial or within said period waived his right thereto in writing.
In In re Myrtle Davis, 277 Mich 88, 90, 91, we said:
“ ‘Proceedings taken for an adjudication of insanity against an individual should require the strictest compliance with all the statutory requirements provided. The determination affects the rights of the individual to the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property. Courts will ever protect the rights of the individual who is so unfortunate as to be called upon to make a showing to maintain his or her mental integrity. * * *
“ ‘All persons are presumed to be sane, and in every proceeding the burden of proving insanity rests upon the one challenging the sanity of the individual.’ ”
Mahon did not formally waive his right to trial by jury. He made his demand for a jury trial within the 15 days after service of the report of the commission. The report filed with his counsel on February 15, 1955, did not meet the statutory test in regard to notice of right to a trial by jury and he did not waive his right to demand a jury. The trial court erred in denying Mahon a jury trial.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- In re MAHON
- Status
- Published