Opinion ID: 1151794
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Did the court err in failing to grant a mistrial because of comments made by the court to the venire prior to the impaneling of the jury?

Text: Sherrell claims that he was prejudiced by the trial judge's pre-trial remarks to the venire. Apparently, the judge addressed the venire of sixty telling them that only one in five persons would receive the bad news of being selected on the jury. These statements were made in an attempt to put the potential jurors at ease since they often become nervous before the jury is selected. Granted, the judge's remarks would have been better left unsaid, but they are not so prejudicial so as to warrant reversal. However, the judge did stress the seriousness and importance of serving as a juror, adding that jury service can be one of the most rewarding and interesting experiences of one's life. See Cunningham v. State, 357 So.2d 299 (Miss. 1978); Barlow v. State, 272 So.2d 639 (Miss. 1973). This issue is without merit.