Opinion ID: 867374
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The State speaking first.

Text: ¶ 21 Arizona law does not require that the defense speak before the state in voir dire. Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 18.5(d) simply allows for examination of jurors by counsel for both sides after examination by the court. Traditionally prosecutors speak to the panel first during voir dire because the state has the burden of proof and presents its case first during trial. See Ariz. R.Crim. P. 19.1(a) (governing order of proof during trial). Garza has not demonstrated that the superior court abused its discretion in following this standard procedure, much less that it committed fundamental error. See State v. Johnson, 212 Ariz. 425, 435 ¶ 35, 133 P.3d 735, 745 (noting trial court's discretion in conducting voir dire), cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 127 S.Ct. 559, 166 L.Ed.2d 415 (2006); State v. Clabourne, 142 Ariz. 335, 344, 690 P.2d 54, 63 (1984) (same).