Opinion ID: 1101247
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Whether the trial court erred in refusing to investigate alleged jury improprieties and in relying on the Attorney General's office to determine procedure?

Text: ¶ 33. Porter also contends that the trial judge improperly handled a juror's request to be removed from the jury, which was made shortly after the jury retired to deliberate in the sentencing phase, and before actual deliberations began. This issue is moot, because this case is being remanded for other reasons. ¶ 34. However, this Court addresses this issue only to emphasize the importance of the prohibition against ex parte communications. See Miss.Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3(A)(4) (prohibiting judge from initiating or considering ex parte communications concerning a pending proceeding). Apparently, during arguments on the matter of the juror who wished to be removed from the panel, the prosecutor consulted Marvin White of the Attorney General's Office. The exact circumstances surrounding the conversation with White are not clear from the record, but it seems that White, via the telephone, made arguments to the trial judge. It appears that defense counsel was in the room, but that he could only hear one end of the conversation between White and the court. ¶ 35. This Court recognizes that the Attorney General's office is an important resource for prosecutors throughout the State. However, if any party is allowed to make arguments before a trial judge on behalf of the prosecution, the arguments must be made in the presence and hearing of defense counsel. Moreover, defense counsel must be given an opportunity to respond. Judges are to be neutral, and, ex parte communications should not be allowed, under any circumstances.