People v. Johnson

In this appeal, we revisit the “special circumstances” mandating a trial court to put supplemental questions to prospective jurors regarding racial bias. Defendant, William Johnson, was convicted by a jury of home invasion and armed robbery and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for home invasion, enhanced by 15 years for committing the offense while armed with a firearm, together with a consecutive sentence of 15 years for armed robbery. He appeals, contending the trial court: (1) erred in rejecting his supplemental questions during voir dire regarding racial and ethnic bias; and (2) failed…