Opinion ID: 399509
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Physical Evidence and Demonstration

Text: 9 Mr. Golden argues that the trial court erred in admitting into evidence the same type of flashlight used in the assault. Trial judges have discretion to decide whether an adequate foundation has been laid for the admission of evidence. United States v. Carranco, 551 F.2d 1197, 1199-1200 (10th Cir. 1977). During trial, a defense witness who was riding with Officer Golden and was present during the assault described the flashlight and identified the government's exhibit as a flashlight similar to that used by Mr. Golden. Furthermore, an FBI agent testified that he had interviewed Officer Golden and that Mr. Golden told him he had a seven-cell kel-light flashlight with him when he approached the victim's truck. The agent further testified that the government exhibit was a seven-cell kel-light flashlight. Based on this evidence, the trial court in this case did not err in determining that a proper foundation was established for admitting the flashlight into evidence. 10 Appellant also contends that the trial court erred in failing to admonish the jurors to disregard the prosecutor's use of the flashlight in questioning a witness about the degree of force used in the assault. After a defense witness testified that Mr. Golden thumped the victim with a flashlight on the back of the head, the prosecutor struck the back of a chair with the flashlight in an effort to determine what the witness meant when he used the word thump. The court sustained an objection to this action but did not admonish the jury to disregard it. Appellant argues that this affected his substantial rights and therefore required that his conviction be reversed. Trial judges also have discretion to determine how to correct improper conduct during the course of trial. Rogers v. United States, 411 F.2d 228, 230 (10th Cir. 1969). We are not persuaded that the prosecutor's conduct affected the defendant's substantial rights in this case. Therefore, the court's failure to admonish the jury does not constitute reversible error. 11 In conclusion, we find that none of appellant's allegations of error has merit, and accordingly, the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.