State v. Alston

HEDRICK, Judge.

Based on numerous exceptions duly noted in the record, defendant argues that the trial judge committed prejudicial error by making statements in the presence of the jury which implied that the judge had an opinion as to the guilt of the defendant. Defendant relies on the well-established rule that every person charged with a crime has a right to a trial before an impartial judge and an unprejudiced jury in an atmosphere of judicial calm. State v. Cousin, 292 N.C. 461, 233 S.E. 2d 554 (1977). Numerous cases have held that G.S. § 1-180 (now G.S. § 15A-1222, 1232, effective 1 July…