Opinion ID: 536136
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: denial of cross-examination

Text: 34 Defendants contend that there were three witnesses called by Robinson for direct examination who were never allowed to be cross-examined or their cross-examination was significantly delayed. Brief of Appellants at 44. We find no error or abuse of discretion on these matters. 35 First, defendants argue they never had the opportunity to cross-examine [Penny Walker], who had been temporarily dismissed during her direct examination. Id. However, defendants made no objection to her temporary excusal, Vol. II, p. 200, and later during the trial agreed to her being permanently excused. Vol. VII, p. 1141. 36 Second, defendants say their cross-examination of Foster and Maruffi was significantly delayed. 9 While Foster was testifying on direct, defendants' counsel requested a bench conference to discuss the admissibility of tape recorded testimony. The court then recessed and trial resumed the following morning. Robinson's counsel requested that Foster's examination be interrupted so that Maruffi could be called to testify. Defendants' counsel did not object. After Maruffi's examination, defendants' counsel objected to the sequence of examination. Vol. V., p. 670. Counsel for the defendants then requested that the trial proceed in ordinary sequence, but also agreed that Foster could be recalled for additional direct examination in lieu of the completion of Maruffi's examination. Vol. V., p. 670. Counsel for the defendants then cross-examined Foster upon completion of Robinson's direct. Vol. VI., p. 869. Maruffi was then recalled for completion of Robinson's direct and immediately passed to defendants for their cross-examination. Vol. VI., p. 987. 37 Defendants' argument that they specifically asked to cross-examine Foster at the time Robinson's counsel requested to call Maruffi, and were refused the opportunity, is frivolous. Defendants' counsel, at the time Maruffi was requested to testify, stated no objection and said that all he wanted was to be able to ask Foster some questions. Vol. V., 590. This statement is a far cry from that presented in the defendants' brief here. 10 Because defendants failed to timely object to the sequence of witnesses, had an opportunity to cross-examine all the witnesses, and failed to show that the trial court abused its discretion in permitting the calling of the witnesses, the defendants' claim of error is rejected. See, Fed.R.Evid. 611(a); United States v. DeLuna, 763 F.2d 897, 911-912 (8th Cir.1985).