Opinion ID: 1792134
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 18

Heading: Did the trial court err in allowing the jury to be removed from courtroom during Hersick's questioning of officer Darryl Brewer?

Text: ¶ 77. Hersick contends that his counsel erred by not objecting to the jury being removed from the courtroom while he examined Officer Darryl Brewer. Hersick cites Jones v. State, 381 So.2d 983 (Miss.1980), and Gray v. State, 351 So.2d 1342 (Miss.1977), in support of his argument that he has a constitutional right to argue his case before the jury and he was deprived of his right to have the jury hear Brewer's testimony during his cross-examination. ¶ 78. In Gray, this Court held: During the argument at the guilt stage of his trial defendant requested permission to `make a statement to the jury.' In effect, defendant was requesting the right to argue his own case and his request was erroneously denied. Mississippi Constitution Article 3, section 26 (1890) provides in part: In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall have a right to be heard by himself or counsel, or both, ... The refusal to permit defendant to argue his case is in direct violation of the above constitutional provision and requires reversal. Id. at 1345. ¶ 79. Hersick's reliance is misplaced. In Jones, this Court held: The practical solution to the dilemma presented by the accused who uses his constitutional right to argue his case to the jury to give, what is for all practical purposes, testimony is to treat the unsworn testimonial statements of the accused which were not supported by the record as a partial waiver of the privilege against self-incrimination. It is not a total waiver of the privilege, since the prosecution is unable to cross-examine the accused at this late stage of the trial. But the prosecution may comment to the jury that the defendant's statements were not given under oath and that he was not subject to cross-examination about them. The constitutional privilege of the criminal defendant appearing pro se is adequately protected if the court gives him a clear and direct warning out of the presence of the jury prior to beginning his argument that such limited comment might follow if he goes outside the record and gives what amounts to unsworn testimony. Jones, 381 So.2d at 994. In the case sub judice, Hersick was not making an argument to the jury. He wanted to cross-examine Brewer himself because his attorney did not ask him the questions Hersick wanted him to ask. Hersick was represented by counsel and was not a pro se defendant. ¶ 80. Upon review of the testimony of Brewer, we find no error or prejudice to Hersick. The testimony consisted of hearsay and was irrelevant. Therefore, this issue is without merit.