Opinion ID: 1829968
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Viewing the Scene of the Crime

Text: On June 16, 1987, Hansen moved that he be allowed, in preparation for trial, to accompany his lawyers to view the scene of the crime. The Court originally determined to grant this motion but, as a result of being notified by a police officer that twice during lunch Hansen had slipped out of his handcuffs, rescinded its ruling. The Court said it might reconsider at a later date upon a showing of substantial need. On appeal, Hansen charges error in the Court's refusal to allow him to visit the scene of the crime with his lawyers. Matters such as this are committed to the sound discretion of the Circuit Court. Miss. Code Ann. § 13-5-91 (1972); cf. Tolbert v. State, 511 So.2d 1368, 1378 (Miss. 1987). In cases where the defendant shows substantial need and where adequate security measures are available, the Circuit Court has authority to grant such a motion. Hansen has presented no facts in the record nor argument on appeal substantially suggesting his defense may have been impeded by the Court's refusal to allow him to visit the crime scene. Under the circumstances, we may not hold the Circuit Court abused its discretion in the premises.