Court Opinion

ID: 9649194
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 14:44:30.406789+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:12:08.715342
License: Public Domain

NIX, Justice,
concurring.
I join the opinion of Mr. Chief Justice O’Brien and now write to explain my difference with the reasoning of the dissenting opinion of Mr. Justice Roberts. The majority conceded the impropriety of the questioning of appellant on cross-examination. Nonetheless, it distinguished the facts *534of this case from those presented in Commonwealth v. Harvell, 458 Pa. 406, 327 A.2d 27 (1974) and Commonwealth v. Lipscomb, 455 Pa. 525, 317 A.2d 205 (1974).
The first basis for distinction is that the prosecutorial misconduct in this case was clearly not as egregious as that occurring in Harvell and Lipscomb. This difference is not disputed by Mr. Justice Roberts in his dissent. The second basis for distinction was that in the instant case the defense’s objection was sustained, thereby immediately informing the jury of the impropriety, and cautionary instructions were given. Mr, Justice Roberts’ quarrel focuses upon the legal accuracy of those cautionary instructions. While in that regard there may be merit, what is critical is that the jury was clearly and immediately advised that the improper question was to be disregarded. This prompt response, in my judgment, was sufficient to overcome any taint that may otherwise have flowed from the question.
The explanation as to why the remark was improper may have been erroneous but the objective (advising the jury of that impropriety) was accomplished. Because all of the niceties and the refinements of the law are not met, does not warrant the disturbing of a verdict where the trial was essentially fair and no prejudice has been demonstrated.
FLAHERTY, J., joined in this opinion.