Coleman v. Alabama
United States Supreme Court
399 U.S. 1 (1970)
Relevant factsFree
Coleman (defendant) was arrested and convicted of assault with intent to murder; he was denied appointed counsel at his preliminary hearing, and testimony from that hearing could not be used at trial because Coleman had no counsel to cross-examine the witness. The court of appeals held the denial of counsel at the preliminary hearing did not prejudice Coleman's rights.
IssueFree
Whether the potential for substantial prejudice to a defendant's rights exists where he is denied access to an attorney during a preliminary hearing.