Opinion ID: 1501117
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Alternate Venireperson Marvin B.

Text: The prosecutor stated that Marvin B. was struck because of his attitude. According to the prosecutor, Marvin B. did not pay attention, he made goofy faces, he showed an inappropriate amount of levity, and he did not seem to take the whole proceedings with much seriousness. Even the court noted: THE COURT: Well, let me say this, I guess in Batsmi v. Kentucky the Court is allowed to make observations of prospective jurors and I did notice Mr. Brown. He did display a lackadaisical attitude throughout the questioning of the jury panel, one that showed an attitude that showed complete indifference to the dignity and the seriousness of the matter under consideration by the Court. I did not feel that it would be proper for the Court to dismiss the juror but I could certainly see as a trial lawyer that I wouldn't particularly care to have such a person on my jury so I find beyond a reasonable doubt and without qualifications and within my own perspective and viewpoint or view, rather, that neutrally racial considerations were adhered in the striking of Mr. Brown. Inattentiveness has been considered a racially-neutral reason for exercising a peremptory challenge. State v. Antwine, 743 S.W.2d 51, 67 (Mo. banc 1987); State v. White, 913 S.W.2d 435, 437 (Mo.App.1996).