Opinion ID: 71643
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Actions of the District Court

Text: Mason testified at trial, and although he identified Senegal as one of his assailants, he could not identify the other attacker. In response to this testimony, Senegal and York called the officer who questioned Mason while paramedics tended to his gunshot wound. The officer testified that Mason, while being treated, stated that he did not know who shot him. On cross-examination, the officer testified as to Mason’s obvious extreme pain. After the Government concluded its cross-examination, the district court judge asked the officer whether gunshot wound victims suffer from shock that affects their perception and ability to communicate. The officer responded “I’m assuming it can, yes sir.” Mid-way through the trial, the district court judge also stated to the jury “I’ve never had a hung jury in 17 years and you ain’t going to be the first.”