Opinion ID: 1155448
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Delegation of Discretion to the Bailiff

Text: Powell also argues that the district court erred in delegating its discretion with regard to security measures to the bailiff. Powell asserts that it was error for the district court to ask the bailiff if it was acceptable to him that Powell be unshackled while on the witness stand. When exercising discretion in restraining the defendant, a trial judge has the right to give heed to an officer of the court's knowledge regarding the defendant's record, characteristics and tendencies. State v. McKay, 63 Nev. 118, 157, 165 P.2d 389, 406 (1946). The trial judge may also consider the officer's recommendation. Id. The record clearly indicates that the court was exercising its own discretion in determining which method of restraint was appropriate under the circumstances and merely consulted the bailiff for his opinion. We note that the court also considered the wishes of both defense counsel and the prosecution. The bailiff was the officer who heard the defendant threaten to poke out an officer's eye. The bailiff clearly had knowledge of Powell's tendencies and characteristics, and the district court was entitled to consider the bailiff's knowledge. We therefore find no merit in Powell's contention.