Opinion ID: 900331
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Denial of Fair Trial by Judge and Prosecutor

Text: [¶ 25] Pellegrino contends that as a direct result of a total deprivation of his constitutional rights, he has been denied his right to a fair trial. Specifically, he maintains that through the combination of the trial judge and the prosecutor conspiring against him, and the inadequate representation by the Northern Hills Public Defender's office, his rights to due process and a fair trial were prejudiced. This court has consistently held that a defendant is not guaranteed a perfect trial, `but every accused, innocent or guilty, is entitled to a fair trial.' State v. Raymond, 540 N.W.2d 407, 410 (S.D.1995), appeal after remand, 1997 SD 59, 563 N.W.2d 823 (quoting State v. Logue, 372 N.W.2d 151, 158 (S.D.1985) and citing State v. Bennis, 457 N.W.2d 843, 847 (S.D.1990)). After a thorough review of the record and the proceedings below, we find no merit in Pellegrino's claims that he was denied his right to fair trial by the actions of the trial judge, prosecutor, or the Northern Hills Public Defender's office. [¶ 26.] Pellegrino next asserts the grand jury proceedings were contaminated with forged documents and perjured testimony. [8] Further, he claims these defects left the trial court without jurisdiction to try the case. However, Pellegrino points to no concrete evidence to buttress his assertions. In our independent review of the record, we can find nothing to demonstrate that the grand jury proceedings were so tainted. Pellegrino requests this Court to take judicial notice of the perjured testimony purportedly in the grand jury transcripts. Only when a fact is either generally known within a court's territorial jurisdiction or is capable of accurate and ready determination by resort to sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned may a court take judicial notice. SDCL 19-10-2. Here, we are dealing with disputed facts and debatable assertions of perjury. We will not take judicial notice of facts subject to controversy, whose source and accuracy cannot be determined. [¶ 27.] Pellegrino further contends his due process rights were violated when he was denied access to a law library while awaiting trial in the Lawrence County jail. However, he was accorded assistance of court-appointed counsel. Again, after a review of the record, we find no due process violations. [¶ 28] We have carefully examined Pellegrino's remaining issues and find them to be without merit. [¶ 29.] Affirmed. [¶ 30.] MILLER, C.J., and SABERS, AMUNDSON and GILBERTSON, JJ., concur.