Opinion ID: 1378709
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Outbursts During Closing Argument.

Text: Apparently, there were two outbursts during the closing arguments at trial. The first outburst is unrecorded but is acknowledged by the district attorney. The defense made no objection to it at trial and may not rely on it as a basis for reversal on appeal. See Patton v. State, 117 Ga. 230 (43 SE 533) (1902). The second outburst was recorded at defense counsel's request and a motion for mistrial was made. The trial judge overruled the motion but promptly instructed the jury to disregard the outburst and to eradicate it from their minds. The defendant has a right to a fair trial free from outside demonstration and suggestions. If no instruction is given to the jury to disregard prejudicial remarks by a person in the courtroom after the defense asks for a mistrial it is reversible error. Glenn v. State, 205 Ga. 32 (52 SE2d 319) (1949). However, the trial judge has discretion whether to grant the mistrial in order to preserve the defendant's right to a fair trial provided the instruction to the jury will preserve this right. See Holland v. State, 113 Ga. App. 843 (149 SE2d 919) (1966), and Avery v. State, 209 Ga. 116 (70 SE2d 716) (1952); Hendrix v. State, 173 Ga. 419 (160 SE 614) (1931). We find no abuse of the trial judge's discretion in this case as we conclude the timely corrective action taken was sufficient.