Opinion ID: 1999504
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Comments by trial court.

Text: The defendant bases this issue on two separate exchanges between the trial court and the defense counsel. The first occurred when the state attempted to impeach the testimony of Hall by use of her alleged prior inconsistent statement. The defense counsel requested to be heard on the issue outside the presence of the jury, which we observe is the more appropriate procedure. However, in this instance, the trial court refused to grant the request. Such a request is generally addressed to the discretion of the trial court and will not constitute grounds for reversal unless there is a showing of prejudicial effect on the jury or denial to the defendant of his right to a fair and impartial trial. Pulaski v. State (1964), 24 Wis.2d 450, 458, 129 N. W.2d 204; Ramer v. State (1968), 40 Wis.2d 79, 83, 161 N. W.2d 209; 23A C.J.S., Criminal Law, p. 945, sec. 1351. Defendant's argument is not predicated on abuse of discretion. Even if it were so directed, we find no prejudicial abuse of discretion. The argument, however, is focused on the impropriety and resulting prejudice of the comments made by the trial court. The issue is thus, whether the remarks had such a prejudicial effect on the jury so as to deny the defendant a fair and impartial trial. Pulaski v. State, supra . From a review of the record, it cannot be said that such was the situation in this case. It is also argued that the refusal to allow defense counsel to be heard outside the presence of the jury and the remarks of the trial court in respect thereto created the impression that defense counsel was acting improperly and was attempting to keep evidence from the jury. However, the jury was allowed to hear the subsequent argument of counsel on the legal questions involved and the trial court instructed the jury that attorneys had the right to object to the admission of evidence which they felt improper and that no adverse inference was to be drawn therefrom. The second exchange between defense counsel and the trial court referred to on appeal relates to a request by defendant for an early adjournment at noon so that the defendant could commence her case after the noon recess and proceed without interruption. The trial court observed that it didn't think the early noon adjournment necessary and that it didn't agree with the request of defense counsel, but, nevertheless, granted it. We find no substance to defendant's argument that these remarks were prejudicial. An examination of the record reflects that the demeanor of the trial court throughout the trial was authoritative and commanding as to both the prosecution and the defense; however, in our opinion it cannot be described as hostile or biased. Furthermore, the jury was instructed to disregard any impression the trial court may have given during the course of the trial, or in the giving of instructions concerning the guilt or innocence of the defendant and to decide the issues solely on the evidence. We conclude that the statements of the trial court did not have a prejudicial effect on the jury and that the defendant was not denied her right to a fair and impartial trial.