Molinaro v. New Jersey

In Molinaro v. New Jersey (1970) 396 U.S. 365, the United States Supreme Court dismissed the criminal defendant's appeal after the defendant, who had been free on bail, failed to surrender himself to state authorities. The United States Supreme Court reasoned: "No persuasive reason exists why this Court should proceed to adjudicate the merits of a criminal case after the convicted defendant who has sought review escapes from the restraints placed upon him pursuant to the conviction. While such an escape does not strip the case of its character as an adjudicable case or controversy, we believe it disentitles the defendant to call upon the resources of the Court for determination of his claims." ( Molinaro v. New Jersey, supra, 396 U.S. at p. 366 90 S. Ct. at pp. 498-499.)