State v. Rhodes

SHARP, Chief Justice.

Defendant’s appeal presents the single question whether the trial judge committed reversible error when, after excusing the jury during defendant’s cross-examination of Mrs. Rhodes, he extensively warned her that he was “not impressed with her truthfulness” and that he was “just not going to tolerate any perjury in this case.” (The judge’s remarks to the witness are set forth in the preliminary statement of facts.)

The presiding judge is given large discretionary power as to the conduct of a trial. Generally, in the absence of controlling statutory provisions or…