True or False: An adult defendant requesting a jury trial must personally appear.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not required if attorney present
• D. Only with prosecutor consent

Answer: (D)

The essential idea is that personal presence is part of exercising the right to a jury trial. An adult defendant normally must appear in court in person so they can hear the proceedings, confront witnesses, and participate in their defense. The prosecutor’s permission cannot substitute for the defendant’s presence; any absence is only allowed if the court properly approves a waiver of the right to be present or permits a court-approved remote appearance for a valid reason (such as illness or logistics). Without a valid waiver or exception, the defendant should be present.