Lockridge v. State

Hunt, Justice.

The central issue in this granted certiorari is whether the miscon duct of a bailiff and juror requires a new trial notwithstanding the trial court’s finding the defendant was not harmed. In Lockridge v. State, 194 Ga. App. 487 (390 SE2d 853) (1990), the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s conclusion that the prosecution carried its burden of showing that the defendant was not harmed by the bailiff’s improper remark.

After the jury had been chosen, the trial court admonished the jurors not to discuss the case with anyone and to report any violations of that admonishment…