State v. Henry, 243 N.C. App. 433 (Oct. 6, 2015)

The trial court did not err with respect to the defendant’s request to cross-examine the State’s witness, Collins, regarding the victim’s reputation for violence. Although the State objected to the defendant’s attempt to so cross-examine the witness, it acknowledged that it would be appropriate to allow such testimony during the defendant’s case; the trial court agreed and noted that defense counsel could recall the witness during the defense case. Although the defendant presented other evidence of the victim’s reputation for violence, he did not recall Collins. The court noted that under Rule 611 trial courts have discretion to exercise reasonable control over the mode and order of interrogating witnesses. Here, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by requiring the defendant to wait until the defense case to examine Collins about the victim’s reputation for violence.