State v. Girley

MORRIS, Judge.

Defendant first contends that the trial court erred in denying him the right to advise the jury on the law of self-defense during the voir dire, to conduct a reasonable examination on that subject, and to ask the jury if they believed in such a defense. Pursuant to G.S. 9-15(a), the court may question and “ . . . direct oral inquiry of any prospective juror as to the fitness and competency of any person to serve as a juror . . . . ” In State v. Dawson, 281 N.C. 645, 654, 190 S.E. 2d 196 (1972), Chief Justice Bobbitt noted that:

“Although G.S. 9-15 (a) assures a defendant of the…