Haughton v. Byers

NEWMAN, Chief Judge:

Appellant seeks review of a jury award in her favor for $7,000. She contends that the trial court, by its extensive questioning of witnesses at trial, deprived her of her right to a fair trial as guaranteed by the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment. We agree and reverse. 1

The case arises from an automobile accident in which the appellee admitted liability, leaving the issue of damages for the jury. Appellant sustained multiple injuries to her back, left arm, and right shoulder necessitating extended medical attention. She was treated by Dr. Frohman and Dr. Hustead,…