This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Adamson (D) was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. D appealed, claiming that California's (P) law which allowed the judge, counsel, and jury in his trial to comment on his failure to testify violated the U.S. Constitution's prohibition against forced self-incrimination. The Supreme Court of California subsequently affirmed. D's conviction. D appealed.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.