Opinion ID: 1778765
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Earl Jordan:

Text: ś 79. Manning also argues that his impeachment of Jordan was unfairly restricted. The defense attempted to impeach Jordan with the fact that he had allegedly confessed to a robbery on the MSU campus to show that he was receiving a benefit for his testimony and that he had committed a crime where Manning allegedly committed this one. Manning argues that when the judge sustained the prosecutor's objection, he unfairly curtailed Manning's cross-examination. However, Manning's contention is not supported by the record. ś 80. This time, defense counsel did make an argument to the judge concerning his purpose in the cross-examination. The judge agreed that defense counsel would be allowed to question Jordan as to whether he had been charged or not charged for certain crimes in exchange for his testimony under Miss.R.Evid. 608(b). However, he cautioned defense counsel that he could not inquire into the details of those alleged crimes. Defense counsel then asked Jordan whether he had avoided prosecution in exchange for his testimony, and his answer was no. ś 81. We find that the trial court's ruling was not erroneous. The judge simply wanted defense counsel to lay the proper predicate and to comport with Miss.R.Evid. 608(b). The defense was not restricted from cross-examining Jordan on whether he had been charged or not charged with the armed robbery due to his cooperation. The defense was restricted from inquiring into the details of that crime. Haralson v. State, 314 So.2d 722, 724 (Miss.1975)(the witness may not be asked nor proof made of the details of an alleged crime said to have been committed by the witness sought to be impeached.). ś 82. From a reading of the record, it is clear that Jordan was thoroughly cross-examined. Further, there was other evidence before the jury that Jordan was hoping for some sort of deal to be made in exchange for his testimony. He admitted as much. The judge's ruling in this specific instance, did not prejudice Manning's case. The jury was well aware that there were other charges pending against Jordan and that he was hoping that by testifying against Manning, he would receive leniency. This claim of error is meritless, and we find no reversible error.