Justices to Review Limit on Attorney-Client Recess Discussions

The US Supreme Court will hear the appeal of a Texas man who says his constitutional right to an attorney was violated when he and his lawyer were prohibited from discussing his testimony while his murder trial was in a recess overnight.

In an order Monday, the justices agreed to consider if a court order, which bars attorney-client consultation during a trial, violates a defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel.

The jury in David Villarreal’s trial was dismissed for the day about an hour into his testimony during the guilt phase of trial because the court had an administrative commitment. ...