Opinion ID: 883276
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: questioning of victim

Text: The second issue Kelly raises concerns the District Court's questioning of J.C. during trial. Kelly contends the District Court committed reversible error when it questioned J.C. in front of the jury. After J.C. testified, and without first excusing the jury, the District Court questioned J.C. as follows: THE COURT: [J.C.] how old did you say you were? THE WITNESS: At that time or  THE COURT: Yeah, or your birthday; I don't care. THE WITNESS: I was eleven, and my birthday is August 29, 1980. THE COURT: I notice when you were sworn in you raised your left hand. Did you know you did that? THE WITNESS: Yeah. THE COURT: But that isn't too important. The important thing is what the lady asked you is essentially did you swear. You swore to tell the truth? THE WITNESS: Yes. THE COURT: And you know the difference between the truth and a lie; don't you? THE WITNESS: Yes. THE COURT: Have you told the truth? THE WITNESS: Yes. THE COURT: So you do recognize that when you agreed to tell the truth that was required? THE WITNESS: Yes. THE COURT: Okay. Okay. I think that they are through now; is that correct?