People v. Cottle

Opinion

CORRIGAN, J.

Here we consider whether a trial court has discretion to reopen jury selection after the trial jury has been impaneled, but before alternate jurors are sworn. We hold that die trial court lacks discretion to do so under the Trial Jury Selection and Management Act (Code Civ. Proc., § 190 et seq., eff. Jan. 1, 1989) (Trial Jury Selection Act or Act).

I. Facts and Procedural Background

Defendant Kevin Lamar Cottle was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and four counts of assault with a motor vehicle. Two of the latter counts carried enhancement allegations that he…