Opinion ID: 2007860
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Documentary Evidence Permitted During Jury Deliberations

Text: Appellant argues the trial court erred by allowing documentary evidence into the jury room. Appellant filed an affidavit with the trial court which indicated that the checks were sent to the jury during deliberations. The trial judge is imbued with discretion to determine whether the jury should view an exhibit during deliberations. Mulligan v. State (1986), Ind., 487 N.E.2d 1309; Jackson v. State (1980), 274 Ind. 297, 411 N.E.2d 609. The following criteria are considered by the court in the exercise of this discretion: (1) Whether the material will aid the jury in a proper consideration of the case; (2) Whether any party will be unduly prejudiced by submission of the material, and (3) Whether the material may be subjected to improper use by the jury. Thomas v. State (1972), 259 Ind. 537, 289 N.E.2d 508. This Court has previously held that a jury may examine checks during deliberations in a forgery prosecution when there is only a suggestion of improper use by the jury and the issues presented illustrate the necessity of the jury examining the documents. Golden v. State (1985), Ind., 485 N.E.2d 51. Similarly, we find that the examination of the checks would aid the jury in a proper consideration of this case. Judgment affirmed. GIVAN, C.J., and DeBRULER, PIVARNIK and DICKSON, JJ., concur.