State v. Whaley

Gregory, Justice:

Appellant was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He contends he is entitled to a new trial because the trial judge conducted a portion of the jury voir dire in appellant’s absence. We affirm.

Several members of the jury venire responded affirmatively to the trial judge’s inquiry whether anyone had heard news media reports regarding appellant’s case. The trial judge then examined these potential jurors on the record in chambers with only counsel present. The remainder of voir dire was conducted in appellant’s presence.

Of the eleven jurors examined in…