Phillips

Lionel Phillips appeals from his conviction for possession of a controlled substance in violation of Health and Safety Code section 11350, subdivision (a). His sole contention on appeal is that the trial court erred in denying him access to the names of the prospective jurors during voir dire. While we agree this was error, we find no prejudice and affirm the judgment.

Factual and Procedural Summary

Appellant was charged by information with one count of possession of cocaine, with allegations of three prior drug-related convictions. Jury trial commenced on June 10, 1996. In accordance with what the trial judge referred to as the policy of the Los Angeles Superior Court in applying Code of Civil Procedure section 237, the trial court kept the names of all prospective jurors confidential, referring to them during voir dire only by number. During the voir dire procedure, appellant’s counsel objected to this procedure, claiming it was a violation of appellant’s right to due process, and to a public trial. His motion for mistrial on this ground was denied.

The jury convicted appellant of possession of cocaine; the trial court found two of the priors to be true. He appeals…