McCoy v. Louisiana

The Court said it is unconstitutional for a defense lawyer to concede a defendant's guilt when the defendant clearly objects and insists on maintaining innocence. The case came from Robert McCoy's murder trial, where his lawyer admitted McCoy committed the killings to try to avoid a death sentence.

The decision protects a defendant's control over the basic goal of the defense. For example, a lawyer cannot admit guilt over a client's clear objection just because the lawyer thinks that may avoid a harsher sentence.

The Supreme Court has finished this docket action. The decision now guides lower courts, trial judges, and defense lawyers when clients object to conceding guilt.

It asked whether a defense lawyer may tell the jury a client is guilty after the client clearly objects. McCoy said he wanted to maintain innocence.

It means defendants keep control over whether to admit guilt or maintain innocence. Lawyers still manage strategy, but not that basic choice.

The Supreme Court finished its work on this docket action. The decision now serves as guidance for lower courts and trial lawyers.