Opinion ID: 1270240
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Defendant also asserts the jury, absent trial court's authorization, improperly separated during the deliberation period.

Text: In the first place the record belies that contention. The only testimony touching upon this subject reveals trial court, not the jury, determined it should be provided overnight motel lodging. That was clearly within the court's discretion. See State v. Lowder, 256 Iowa 853, 864, 129 N.W.2d 11 (1964), cert. denied 380 U.S. 965, 85 S.Ct. 1110, 14 L.Ed.2d 155; Code §§ 780.19, 780.20; Iowa R.Civ.P. 199. See also State v. Albers, 174 N.W.2d 649, 653-657 (Iowa 1970). Moreover, no evidence whatsoever was introduced which even tended to disclose untoward conduct by any juror from time of leaving the jury room, accompanied by bailiffs, and return to the courthouse the following morning. Further discussion will serve no useful purpose. This assignment is totally devoid of substance. Affirmed.