State v. Denis ( 1880 )

Manning, C. J.

It is so absolutely necessary in a criminal prosecution that there should be a plea by the accused, that if he refuses to plead, the court will order that the plea of not guilty be made for him and be entered of record.

Arraignment and plea in a prosecution for murder are so indispensable that their absence vitiates the trial.

Judgment reversed, verdict set aside, and new trial ordered.