Opinion ID: 2803111
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Read-backs in the Jury Room

Text: During its deliberation, the jury sent a note to the trial judge that read, in relevant part: We would like to hear the transcripts from Harry's and Xiomara's testimony that make reference to Sonia Flores (Mimi). The judge, while in chambers with the prosecutor, defense counsel, and the court reporter, instructed the court reporter to read both the direct and crossexamination for those two witnesses. The judge also explained the restricted nature of the read-back procedure: You are there as a stone, the judge told the court reporter. The court reporter could read the transcripts, and repeat anything the jury requested to be repeated. However, the jury was not permitted to ask the court reporter any other questions, nor was it allowed to make any comments in the court reporter's presence. The judge then asked the attorneys, Do you want me to bring them out in court? Ramos and Sonia's attorneys responded that we prefer in open court. So the judge summoned the jury into the courtroom, reiterated the instructions and the limited nature of the read-back procedure, and confirmed that the jurors understood the applicable restrictions. The jury foreperson expressed a preference to do the read-back in the jury room, which