This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2001-06-29 |
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| The requirements in the aforecited rules are, to repeat, mandatory, not optional, and must be strictly complied with by the trial court as they are intended to protect and enhance the constitutional right of the accused to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him. Courts must be extra solicitous to see to it that the accused fully understands the meaning and importance of his plea, especially in capital offenses.[35] The prudent course to follow is to take testimony to aid this Court in determining whether the accused understood the significance and consequences of his plea.[36] Failure to observe the said stringent rules would nullify the arraignment. | |||||