Opinion ID: 1817269
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: did the court abuse its discretion in permitting the prosecution to lead its primary witness?

Text: Upon objection by defense counsel to the state's propounding leading questions to Rico Cabello, the court stated, As far as the reason for allowing a certain amount of leading of the witness [Rico Cabello], it was obvious ... [Rico] was a young man of tender years and the court observed that he was rather uncomfortable in testifying and the court can certainly understand that being, testifying against his father when he is just a few feet from him, looking at him. It would be understandable that he would be reluctant and hesitant to testify and under those conditions the court feels that a certain amount of leading is permissible. In view of the unusual circumstances, a son testifying against his father in a capital murder case, and the age and demeanor of this witness, we cannot conclude the court abused its discretion in overruling defense counsel's objection. We are therefore of the opinion proposition IV is without merit. Palmer v. State, 427 So.2d 111, 115 (Miss. 1983).