Opinion ID: 1725679
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: did the trial court err by questioning the witness?

Text: ¶ 26. During the forfeiture hearing, the judge directly asked several questions of the witnessess, including the defendant. Conrod argues this was error because it amounted to the court literally prosecuting the case on behalf of the State. ¶ 27. Rule 614(b) of the Mississippi Rules of Evidence specifically provides that the court may interrogate witnesses, whether called by itself or by a party. A trial judge has the responsibility, within judicial discretion, of confining the testimony during trial to the issues before it. Hannah v. State, 336 So.2d 1317, 1321 (Miss.1976). The questions asked by the lower court in this case all had to do with the issues brought out during that particular witness's testimony. The lower court appropriately confined its questions. The State also noted that the main concern in those cases cited by Conrod addressing this issue is the possible influence of a jury by the questions and comments of the judge. The case at bar was a bench trial. Furthermore, the record reveals that counsel for Conrod was allowed to question each witness following questioning by the court. The lower court is affirmed on this issue.