Opinion ID: 585701
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Remarks Concerning Defense Counsel's Conduct

Text: 9 We reject Gay's and Porter's contention that remarks made by the district court to their attorneys during a conference outside the presence of the jury denied them due process. A judge's rebuke of counsel does not warrant reversal absent a showing of clear or significant prejudice. United States v. Bennett, 702 F.2d 833, 836 (9th Cir.1983); United States v. Poland, 659 F.2d 884, 886 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 1059 (1981). No such showing of prejudice has been made. Particularly because the jury was not present, the district court's outburst fell far short of creating the  'pervasive climate of partiality or unfairness'  that the Constitution condemns. United States v. Garcia, 924 F.2d 925, 928 (9th Cir.) (quoting United States v. DeLuca, 692 F.2d 1277, 1282 (9th Cir.1982)), cert. denied, 111 S.Ct. 2809 (1991). This appears to have been an isolated expression of irritation or impatience on the part of the trial judge. Cf. Bennett, 702 F.2d at 836 (This one instance of error, viewed in the entire context of a case where there is substantial evidence of guilt, does not require reversal.); see also Poland, 659 F.2d at 893. 10 We likewise find unavailing Gay's and Porter's argument that the district court's statements so intimidated their attorneys that their counsel became constitutionally ineffective. Statements that may unnerve defense counsel do not merit reversal absent a showing of clear prejudice. United States v. Burt, 765 F.2d 1364, 1368 (9th Cir.1985). The circumstances of this case do not support a finding of prejudice.