Opinion ID: 1990916
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Challenge to Trial by Jury

Text: Evans and McGee argue that there was inherent prejudice in a jury trial, given the nature of the offense. They contend that neither the court nor counsel took steps to ascertain whether the jury could impartially decide an obstruction of justice charge involving a juror. Since this claim was not raised during the trial, we review for plain error. See Brawner v. United States, 745 A.2d 354, 357 (D.C.2000). Under that standard, `the error must be (1) obvious or readily apparent, and clear under current law; and (2) so clearly prejudicial to substantial rights as to jeopardize the very fairness and integrity of the trial.' Id. (quoting Coates v. United States, 705 A.2d 1100, 1104 (D.C.1998) (in turn quoting Hasty v. United States, 669 A.2d 127, 134 (D.C. 1995)). Appellants can not meet that standard. The error, if any, was not obvious or plain. Appellants demanded a jury trial, to which they were entitled absent an express waiver. See D.C.Code § 16-705(a) (2001). They have cited no authority for the proposition that a jury can not decide a case of this type. Moreover, steps were taken to assure that the jury would not be affected by the nature of the case. Appellants' attorneys were permitted to question the venire panel. The jury was informed of the nature of the charge and questioned about whether the fact that they were now jurors would make it difficult for them to decide the case where the offense was against a woman when she was a juror. No prospective juror indicated an inability to decide such a case impartially. Absent such evidence, we find no error, and clearly no plain error. Even assuming error, appellants may be deemed to have invited it. They participated in the jury selection process, evincing their continued desire to have a jury trial as demanded. `[C]ourts are especially reluctant to reverse for plain error when it is invited.' District of Columbia v. Banks, 646 A.2d 972, 978 (D.C. 1994) (in turn quoting District of Columbia v. Wical Ltd. P'ship, 630 A.2d 174, 182-183 (D.C.1993)). No reason has been shown for this court to do so in this case.