Exchange brings on civics lesson
By Marcia Moore The Daily Item
MIDDLEBURG -- A civics lesson broke out in the middle of a Snyder County Court hearing Monday.
It began when 17-year-old Brittany Selleck admitted under oath that she had been drinking alcohol at a party in Selinsgrove Sept. 28 when she was allegedly stabbed in the head and wrist by Fendi T. Thompson, 18, of 1 18th St., Selinsgrove.
The admission came out nonchalantly under cross-examination by defense attorney Stephen Becker, of Lewisburg.
President Judge Harold F. Woelfel Jr. interjected and advised the teen about her constitutional rights, specifically her right to invoke the Fifth Amendment and avoid admitting to the crime of underage drinking.
After a brief explanation, Miss Selleck said she understood, and Mr. Becker asked the same question again.
"Were you drinking that night?"
"No," she replied to some laughter in the courtroom.
Judge Woelfel again explained how to avoid incriminating herself.
"It doesn't mean you lie," he said gently.
Nodding her head and smiling broadly, Miss Selleck said, "I'm going to take the Fifth Amendment, that's what I'm going to do."
Stopped from questioning her further on the subject of her alcohol consumption, Mr. Becker asked the court to strike all of Miss Selleck's testimony.
"We need to know if she was intoxicated," he said.
District Attorney Michael Sholley objected, calling Mr. Becker's request a "grossly extreme sanction," especially since Miss Thompson is charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault.
Continuing in his role as teacher, Judge Woelfel had some advice for Mr. Sholley.
"You could, however, offer (Miss Selleck) immunity from prosecution," he suggested.
Miss Selleck was granted immunity, and she went on to testify that she consumed about 48 ounces of beer and two shots of vodka the night of the alleged assault.
She also admitted "feeling drunk," but said she was able to recall details of the incident.
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