Opinion ID: 1611371
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 24

Heading: the rabbit trail

Text: On cross-examination and redirect examination of Woodward's employer, Mrs. Harrigill, she was questioned about problems relating to the high range gears on Woodward's truck and on the number of rounds made by Woodward on July 23. The district attorney finally warned against getting off on a rabbit trial in closing argument. Defense counsel moved for a mistrial based on the remark because it was made in the presence of the jury. The court overruled the motion for mistrial but instructed the jury to disregard any extraneous comments of the district attorney or any attorney which would not be within the framework of the trial of this case. It is well established in Mississippi law that jurors are presumed to heed the trial judge's directive to disregard a question or statement or even an entire testimony. White v. State, 520 So.2d 497, 500 (Miss. 1988). Therefore, we now find that the warning by the trial judge was sufficient to cure any possible prejudice to the defendant. C. AND D.