Court Opinion

ID: 9618954
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 05:20:03.511802+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:04:34.417749
License: Public Domain

CARLEY, Justice,
concurring.
I agree generally with the majority opinion and with reversal of the conviction and remand of the case. With regard to Division 2, I believe that where, as here, defendant did not object or move for a mistrial, the cases cited by the majority hold that any violation of OCGA § 17-8-57 by the trial judge will not be considered on appeal. See Shepherd v. State, 203 Ga. 635 (47 SE2d 860) (1948); Simmons v. State, 181 Ga. 761 (184 SE 291) (1936). Thus, in the absence of the application of a “plain error” analysis, there would not be reversible error in this case. However, I agree with Division 3 wherein this Court now extends the plain error rule to all criminal cases in which there is alleged to be a violation of OCGA § 17-8-57.1 also agree with the majority’s determination that, upon application of the plain error rule in this case, the judgment of conviction must be reversed.