Opinion ID: 1952440
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Jonathan Brodie's Testimony

Text: During the defense cross-examination of prosecution witness Jonathan Brodie, the witness asked during a sidebar conference if he could use the bathroom. Brodie was the driver of the car in which Harris was riding as a front-seat passenger when Glasco was killed. While in the bathroom, Brodie asked the bailiff if Brodie could speak to one of the prosecutors. The bailiff informed the trial judge, who denied Brodie's request. At a sidebar, the judge informed counsel. Harris' attorney asked whether he could cross-examine Brodie about why he wanted to speak with a prosecutor. Concerned that Brodie's answer could cause a mistrial, the judge initially denied counsel's request, subject to a later application and further discussion. The trial judge denied counsel's renewed request to expand the scope of cross-examination. On appeal, Harris argues that the Superior Court abused its discretion when it denied him the opportunity to cross-examine Brodie regarding why Brodie asked to speak with the prosecutor while he was testifying. The trial judge cited three bases for his ruling: (1) since it is inappropriate for the prosecutor to consult with a sequestered witness during trial testimony, it is likewise inappropriate for opposing counsel to inquire into what the witness would have said to the prosecutor; [18] (2) the testimony might not be relevant; and (3) the potential for injecting error into the proceedings. Harris' counsel was permitted to ask Brodie about the nature of his plea bargain, and did so. Moreover, further testimony, while relevant, would have been cumulative and might have raised the specter of a mistrial. A trial judge has broad discretion in ruling upon the permissible extent of cross-examination, and such rulings will not be disturbed absent a clear abuse of that discretion. [19] Because of the questionable relevance of the testimony and potential for injecting error into the proceeding, we find that the court did not abuse its discretion when it ruled that Brodie's reasons for wishing to speak with a prosecutor while testifying were beyond the scope of cross-examination.