Opinion ID: 2242593
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Judge's Comment at Sentencing

Text: JoAna Bollinger's grandmother, Marilyn Stofleth, read a victim impact statement to the jury during the aggravation-mitigation stage of sentencing hearing. As Stofleth was leaving the stand, the judge stated, I am sorry about your loss, ma'am. Defendant contends that this comment denied him a fair sentencing hearing. The State initially maintains that this argument is procedurally defaulted because defendant failed to object to the judge's statement during trial. However, the procedural default, or waiver, rule is not rigidly applied where the basis for the objection is the conduct of the trial judge. People v. Nevitt, 135 Ill.2d 423, 455, 142 Ill.Dec. 854, 553 N.E.2d 368 (1990), citing People v. Sprinkle, 27 Ill.2d 398, 400-01, 189 N.E.2d 295 (1963); People v. Smith, 176 Ill.2d 217, 237, 223 Ill.Dec. 558, 680 N.E.2d 291 (1997). A trial judge has a duty to see that all persons are provided a fair trial. People v. Burrows, 148 Ill.2d 196, 250, 170 Ill.Dec. 317, 592 N.E.2d 997 (1992). Accordingly, a trial judge must refrain from interjecting opinions, comments or insinuations reflecting bias toward or against any party. People v. Garrett, 276 Ill.App.3d 702, 712, 213 Ill.Dec. 195, 658 N.E.2d 1216 (1995). Judicial comments can amount to reversible error if the defendant can establish that such comments were `a material factor in the conviction or were such that an effect on the jury's verdict was the probable result.' Burrows, 148 Ill.2d at 250, 170 Ill.Dec. 317, 592 N.E.2d 997, quoting People v. Harris, 123 Ill.2d 113, 137, 122 Ill.Dec. 76, 526 N.E.2d 335 (1988). We do not believe that the comment at issue here was a material factor in defendant's sentence of death. The judge's statement that he was sorry about [Stofleth's] loss was merely a polite expression of condolence, and it did not reflect a bias for or against any party. See People v. Holman, 132 Ill.2d 128, 150, 138 Ill.Dec. 155, 547 N.E.2d 124 (1989) (no error where the trial judge told the jury the sad news that [the State's Attorney's] mother passed away). Accordingly, we find no basis for disturbing defendant's sentence.