Sturkey v. State

Summary

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed Sturkey’s convictions, rejecting his claims that the trial judge expressed an opinion on his guilt, improperly indicated that polygraph-related evidence could be admitted, and that trial counsel was ineffective. The court held that the judge’s DNA-related questions were objective and did not constitute error, that the polygraph issue was not preserved and would have been permissible under the trial law if reached, and that the ineffective-assistance claims were either waived or failed for lack of demonstrated prejudice.