Opinion ID: 2202344
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: the motion to pass and the magnifying glass

Text: In response to issues IV and V in which defendant complains that the trial justice erred in denying defendant's motion to pass the case and that the trial justice erred in allowing the jury to use a magnifying glass during their deliberations, we are of the opinion that neither issue has merit. The fact that the trial justice sustained the objection to Detective Gerstmeyer's proposed experiment and struck it with a cautionary instruction to the jury was an adequate response to testimony that was inadmissible pursuant to State v. Walters, 551 A.2d 15 (R.I. 1988). The furnishing of a magnifying glass to jurors in order for them better to discern small print that might be encountered in an exhibit could scarcely be considered prejudicial error. It is the function of the jury not only to view exhibits with the naked eye but, if needed, also to utilize such technological assistance including a magnifying glass that may be within the resources of the trial justice to provide. These two issues are of no assistance to the defendant. For the reasons stated, the appeal of the defendant is sustained in part and denied in part. The papers in the case may be remanded to the Superior Court for a new trial.