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

Robinson (D) had a long history of disturbed behavior after a brick hit him on the head when he was seven. His conduct became noticeably erratic around 1946-47 when home from the army he just up and kicked a hole in the bar and just stared and paced the floor when asked what was wrong. D was committed eventually in 1951 to a mental hospital. After release, his irrational episodes became more serious. D killed his 18-month old son in 1953 and attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head. D served four years and was released in 1956 and lived with Flossie. Flossie was eventually killed at her workplace by D. Four witnesses expressed the opinion that D was insane. The state stipulated that it had an expert to testify that he was sane. D was found guilty and appealed. The state insists that D waived his right to the defense of his competence to stand trial by failing to demand a sanity hearing under Illinois law. Counsel during all the proceedings insisted that the sanity of D was very much at issue.

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.