Bain v. State

Harold Cleveland Bain was tried by jury on charges of (1) murder in the first degree and (2) attempted murder in the first degree. He claimed self defense and took the stand in his own behalf. During direct examination, Bain had testified that he informed the victims that he did not want any trouble because he was on life-time parole. On cross, the prosecutor asked Bain, “[w]hat crime were you on life-time parole for?” Defense counsel objected but on proffer of the answer out of the jury’s presence the objection was overruled. Upon the jury’s return, Bain’s answer then disclosed to them his…