Paul v. State

Thompson, Justice.

Larry Marion Paul was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a knife during the commission of certain crimes. The charges stemmed from a fight which took place between Paul and the victim in the parking lot of a bar. Paul appealed, contending, inter alia, that the trial judge erred in expressing an opinion of his guilt in violation of OCGA § 17-8-57.1

During the course of the trial, the trial judge took an active role in the proceedings, posing questions to the victim and several witnesses. Trial counsel did not object to the trial judge’s…