New Trial Because of Biased and Prejudicial Trial Judge's Comments

In People v. Mitchell, 228 Ill. App. 3d 167, 169, 592 N.E.2d 175, 169 Ill. Dec. 688 (1992), the Court held that the trial judge's comments were biased and prejudicial, resulting in a new trial for the defendant. In Mitchell, this court found that the trial judge continuously made disparaging remarks regarding the defense's evidence and theories and belittled and mocked defense counsel. For example, the trial judge stated, "'he just said he doesn't remember his exact words, and it's quite obvious there was no conversation like the one you just made up.'" Mitchell, 228 Ill. App. 3d at 170.