Opinion ID: 1262473
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Frances B. Gouldthorpe

Text: During the voir dire examination of Frances B. Gouldthorpe, Eaton's counsel inquired about involvement with other criminal prosecutions. The juror said that she could not sit on a drunk driving case because she had had a previous tragic experience with respect to such an offense. After informing the juror that evidence of alcohol consumption was forthcoming, the trial court asked her if that evidence would affect her impartiality; she indicated that it would not. Eaton contends that he was prevented from engaging in meaningful inquiry regarding [Juror Gouldthorpe's] preformed opinions about cases involving alcohol consumption. Those opinions, he continues, might have affected the juror's impartiality. [3] We do not agree. The record clearly demonstrates that the trial court, by inquiring about the juror's ability to remain impartial, was satisfied that her prior experience with drunk driving cases would not prevent or substantially impair the performance of [her] duties as a juror. We find nothing in the record to indicate otherwise.