Opinion ID: 1766302
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: did the trial court err in limiting individual voir dire examination to their opinions as to the death penalty?

Text: As the majority opinion states, counsel for appellant was never permitted to learn what information or prior knowledge prospective jurors had about the case. The majority states the better procedure is to question jurors separately and out of the presence of each other on such matters. This procedure was denied by the trial court. Why? It would have only taken a little more time, and when an accused's life is at stake, that time is a small price to pay. I cannot argue that the majority is legally incorrect when it says that the matter is within the sound discretion of the trial judge. But, I believe that, on retrial, the trial court should be directed to permit individual, separate examination. Ultimate fairness in this case requires it.