OK. West’s objections were simply because he was not finished. The proper time to ask “the official question” is after the Defense has finished with all the witness, and before resting?
On another track...is the persecution going to do a long rebuttal, or is it done already?
I know. Already answered. I am sorry if I seem behind, but I have not been able to fully engage today and I am not in command of the day’s events (like I ever can!).
two of the three rebuttal witnesses are out
we are waiting on one tomorrow..and if he is admitted then MOM is going to bring a slew of witnesses..
indications are that Judge is not going to allow it.
There is the question of the one witness who MAY be available to testify tomorrow. He was law enforcement and had arrested George before. MOM said it was just to get in a prior arrest. They will argue this tomorrow if the guy shows up. Don’t know what will happen yet.
State is done rebuttal,closing arguments tom.Goes to jury Friday.This is what the Judge said.
Typically, the Defense notifies the Court of their intent to rest. The Court typically notifies the Defense that it will ask the defendant if he wants to testify on his own behalf or not.
Never, ever have I seen a judge interrogate a criminal defendant (before the Defense is finished presenting its case) about whether or not he has made a decision and how much more time he needs to make said decision. Simply unheard of in my experience.
IANAL, however, it seems to me that Judge Nelson denied GZ his constitutional right to legal counsel during that interrogation because she overruled West’s objections and seemingly forced GZ to answer her without consulting his attorneys.
The State intended to call three rebuttal witnesses. They improperly called one with the intent to impeach, which is not allowed on rebuttal. Nelson sustained the Defense’s objection. Then the State declined to call anymore rebuttal witnesses.