State v. Cooley , 608 N.W.2d 9 ( 2000 )

CARTER, Justice

(dissenting).

The case should not turn on an extensive demonstration that Cooley was told he would run a terrible risk if he proceeded without counsel. He had counsel. To be sure, the court was told of Cooley’s intention of putting his attorney in a standby role. But judges should not be required to advise criminal defendants on trial strategy because such a requirement would arm them to manipulate the criminal justice system. See State v. Glanton, 231 N.W.2d 31, 35-36 (Iowa 1975) (judge should not contribute to advocate’s role in trial process). Defendant should not be able to obtain relief because his decision proved to be a mistake.

I would affirm.

McGIVERIN, C.J., and LARSON, J., join this dissent.