State v. Johnson

I respectfully dissent from the majority’s opinion regarding its analysis of Mar-low Johnson’s (hereinafter, “Johnson”) Batson challenge. I would vote to reverse the trial court’s ruling regarding the first *386point on appeal and grant Johnson a new trial.

In his first point on appeal, Johnson alleges the trial court erred in overruling his objection to the State’s peremptory strike of Venireperson Lockhart, an African-American. Johnson believes the State’s strike was motivated by race and thereby denied Venireperson Lockhart’s right to equal protection under the law. Johnson argues the State…