Edmonds v. State

McMurray, Presiding Judge.

Defendant was indicted for violating Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act (possession of cocaine with intent to distribute), driving under the influence of alcohol and obstructing a law enforcement officer.

On October 8, 1988, defendant’s case was called for trial. After voir dire and while the State’s attorney and defense counsel were outside the presence of the jury panel making “final determinations as to which jurors to strike . . . ,” the trial court began “answering general questions raised by members of the jury panel . . . .” The trial court’s remarks were not…