Opinion ID: 2419632
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Physical restraint

Text: On the morning of his trial, Mr. Bradford launched a physical attack upon his attorney in the courtroom. After the two were separated, Mr. Bradford asked to address the Court. The Judge denied his request, but Mr. Bradford repeated it more than once. After two warnings, the bailiff was ordered to place tape upon Mr. Bradford's mouth to restrain him from speaking. It was removed after voir dire was completed. Counsel moved to quash the jury panel on the ground that the jurors were tainted by having witnessed the incident. The motion was denied. The jurors were admonished to disregard the incident, and they were told that it had nothing to do with the guilt or innocence of the accused. Restraint of a defendant is not prejudicial per se. The decision lies within the discretion of the Trial Court. Stanley v. State, 324 Ark. 310, 920 S.W.2d 835 (1996). See Illinois v. Allen, 397 U.S. 337, 90 S.Ct. 1057, 25 L.Ed.2d 353 (1970). In this case, the Trial Court did no more than was appropriate to restrain the defendant, and there clearly was no abuse of discretion.