Opinion ID: 1185095
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: taking testimony at hospital

Text: Martin contends it was prejudicial error for the trial court to transport the defendants, attorneys, jury and court personnel to a hospital where testimony was taken of the U-Totem attendant, Edward McDaniels, who was still recovering from the injuries inflicted at the time of the robbery. We find this contention by defendant Martin to be without merit. The purpose of allowing the jurors to view the evidence introduced is to enable them to comprehend more clearly that evidence. We have consistently held that it is within the trial court's discretion to allow the jurors, with proper precautions, to view the scene of the crime or to view an exhibit which, because of size or immobility, cannot be transported to the courtroom. State v. Prewitt, 104 Ariz. 326, 452 P.2d 500 (1969); State v. Smith, 62 Ariz. 145, 155 P.2d 622 (1945). See also Rule 265, Rules of Criminal Procedure, 17 A.R.S. It is the court's duty in so exercising its discretion to weigh the danger of prejudice against the probative value of the evidence. State v. Beers, 8 Ariz. App. 534, 448 P.2d 104 (1968). In the instant case the evidence involved was the testimony of a witness rather than the viewing of an object or place; however, under the circumstances of this case the above principles nevertheless apply. During the course of the robbery, Edward McDaniels was hit on the top of the head with considerable force with a blunt instrument, resulting in serious injury. He had been in the hospital ever since the robbery and was still there at the time of trial. The State submitted to the trial court an affidavit from McDaniels' physician that McDaniels could not be transported to the courthouse to testify. The testimony of this witness was essential to the case. The trial court took all necessary precautions in transporting the jury and the others to the hospital and in conducting the proceedings while there, including having McDaniels moved to a special ward for the taking of testimony so as to minimize any possible prejudicial influences which might result from a hospital atmosphere. In the instant case, the trial court acted within its sound discretion in granting the request of the State to take the testimony of the witness at the hospital. The probative value of the evidence far outweighed any possible danger of prejudice to the rights of the defendant. We, therefore, hold that Martin's contention of prejudicial error is without merit.