Opinion ID: 2416788
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Limiting Inquiry of Substance Abuse During Voir Dire

Text: Jones argues that the trial court erred by prohibiting defense counsel from asking the venire about their feelings regarding life imprisonment without parole and whether they could consider that punishment where the defendant had committed the offense after having ingested drugs or alcohol. Defense counsel wished to determine whether the venire could consider the full range of punishment under the facts presented and to acquire information necessary for making peremptory strikes and challenges for cause. Questioning during voir dire is within the discretion of the trial judge, and only a manifest abuse of discretion and a probability of prejudice to the defendant will justify reversal. State v. Clemons, 946 S.W.2d 206, 224 (Mo. banc 1997). The record indicates that although the trial court sustained the prosecutor's objection to some of defense counsel's questions regarding the venire's views on life imprisonment without parole, the court did allow the defense counsel to explain and question the venire on the full range of punishment. In fact, the venire stated that they understood the full range of punishment, that the state had the burden of proof, and they would consider mitigating evidence submitted. The trial court did not abuse its discretion.