Opinion ID: 1946583
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Did the trial court err in allowing Kim Baker to testify after she was present during previous court testimony?

Text: The state called Kim Baker, appellant's 15 year old stepdaughter, as a rebuttal witness. Defense counsel objected on the basis that Baker had been present in the courtroom during previous testimony. A hearing was held outside of the presence of the jury; Baker admitted that she was present in the courtroom during the testimony of Officer Nicky Hall, lounge customer Fay Lindley, lounge customer Bobby Scaggs and Dr. Billy Walker, pathologist. Following the hearing, the trial court ruled that Baker could testify in rebuttal but that her testimony would be limited to matters which were unrelated to the testimony presented while Baker was present in the courtroom and specifically would be limited to statements made by the appellant in the presence of Baker. Baker testified that on the night of the shooting, she was present at her mother's home; that around 11:00 or 11:30 p.m. she was awakened by the appellant who entered the house cursing; that appellant stated as he left the home, I'll teach Wayne Watson to throw mace in my face. The question of whether a witness may testify when he has remained in the courtroom after the rule has been invoked is within the discretion of the trial judge. Miss.Un.Crim.Rules Ct.Prac. 5.09. Irving v. State, 361 So.2d 1360 (Miss. 1978), cert. denied, 441 U.S. 913, 99 S.Ct. 2014, 60 L.Ed.2d 386 (1979). The trial court did not abuse its discretion in permitting limited testimony by this witness.