Opinion ID: 2083109
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Did the trial court err in submitting the case to the jury in the evening, after the usual time of adjournment?

Text: Defendant's counsel suggests that no capital case should be given to a jury in the evening; and, in addition, that the action of the court in this case constituted coercion in that the effect was to induce the jury to arrive at an early verdict. That the time when a case should be submitted to the jury is a matter within the discretion of the trial court is beyond doubt. That question is not reviewable here unless there appear circumstances showing an abuse of discretion amounting to a coercion of the jury that might affect the verdict. We have read the colloquy between the presiding judge and the foreman of the jury on the afternoon of the second day of the trial with respect to continuing the session of the court in the evening or recessing the court until the following day. We find nothing whatever in the record even remotely suggestive of coercion. On the contrary, the decision to proceed with the case was arrived at only after the jury's convenience had been consulted and only after the foreman had expressly said they were willing to stay. The contention is without merit.