Opinion ID: 1216392
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Propriety of Colloquy Between Court and Counsel.

Text: The defendants stressfully contend that their cases were prejudiced when the court directed counsel to sit down as a result of the colloquy shown in the record; that the direction clearly revealed the court's impatience with their defenses and the manner in which they were being conducted, and that the court's displeasure or opinion in this respect was further emphasized at the opening of the charge when the jury was told the State's evidence is not contradicted. Conceding that the direction in question and the further remark in respect of the State's uncontradicted evidence may have been somewhat incautious or infelicitous or even indicative of impatience with the defenses offered by the defendants, we hardly think the effect was as hurtful or impeaching as the defendants now contend. At least, as we apprehend the record, the impeachment appears insufficiently pronounced to overcome the presumption against it. In re Will of Johnson, 233 N.C. 570, 65 S.E.2d 12. The appellants have the burden of showing harmful error, and they must make it appear plainly, as the presumption is the other way. Nor is it sufficient merely to cast doubt on the validity of the proceeding. The appellants have the burden of showing error. Collingwood v. Winston Salem Southbound R. R. Co., 232 N.C. 192, 59 S.E.2d 584; Nichols v. Wachovia Bank & Trust Co., 231 N.C. 158, 56 S.E. 2d 429; Scott v. Swift & Co., 214 N.C. 580, 200 S.E. 21. True, the authorities are to the effect that at no time during the trial of a cause may the presiding judge cast doubt upon the testimony of a witness, impeach his credibility, or discredit the efforts of either party before the jury. State v. Cantrell, 230 N.C. 46, 51 S.E.2d 887; State v. Owenby, 226 N.C. 521, 39 S.E.2d 378; State v. Perry, 231 N.C. 467, 57 S.E.2d 774. This may be done by the use of language or conduct calculated to impair the credit which the jury might otherwise or under normal conditions give to the testimony or the position of one of the parties. State v. Simpson, 233 N.C. 438, 64 S.E.2d 568; State v. Carter, 233 N.C. 581, 65 S.E.2d 9; State v. Russell, 233 N.C. 487, 64 S.E.2d 579. Of course, the fact the court later afforded counsel an opportunity to examine the witness further, or to have any question read, would not have cured the impeachment, if such it were, for impeachment or depreciation at any time during the trial ordinarily is incurable or incorrectible and fatal to the proceeding. State v. McNeill, 231 N.C. 666, 58 S.E.2d 366, and cases there cited. In the light of the record as we understand it, the exception is not sustained.