Opinion ID: 1901687
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: did the trial court err by failing to conduct a batson hearing?

Text: ¶ 4. Hubbard and James claim that, because the State used peremptory strikes to remove the only two African-American females in the jury pool, a hearing under Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79, 106 S.Ct. 1712, 90 L.Ed.2d 69 (1986), was required. At trial, defense counsel contended that the two strikes constituted a pattern of discrimination. The trial court ruled that no prerequisite showing had been made; therefore no Batson hearing was needed. Hubbard and James cite Magee v. State, 720 So.2d 186 (Miss.1998), in support of their argument: Under Batson, a challenge to a peremptory strike requires a three-step process. First, the defendant must establish a prima facie case that race was the criteria for the exercise of the peremptory challenge. To do this, the defendant must show: (1) that he is a member of a cognizable racial group, (2) that the prosecutor has exercised peremptory challenges toward the elimination of veniremen of his race; and (3) that facts and circumstances raised an inference that the prosecutor used his peremptory challenges for the purpose of striking minorities. Second, should the defendant make such a showing, the striking party then has the burden to state a racially neutral explanation for the challenged strike. If a racially neutral explanation is offered, the defendant may rebut the explanation. Finally, the trial court must make a finding of fact to determine if the defendant has proved purposeful discrimination. Magee, 720 So.2d at 188 (citations omitted). ¶ 5. The State used all of its six peremptory strikes, two against African American females and four against Caucasian men and women. The final jury consisted of five Caucasian males, two African-American males and five Caucasian females. ¶ 6. Hubbard and James have failed to show that the State engaged in a pattern of discrimination. Two African-American males sat on the final jury. Furthermore, striking only two African-American females does not establish a pattern. Indeed, four of the State's strikes were against Caucasians. No statements were made by the State which would indicate that it was purposefully engaging in stacking the jury against Hubbard and James. In fact, one of the African-American females who was struck knew one of the defense witnesses. This claim is without merit.