Professional Documents
Culture Documents
[b] Specific Instances* Only in limited circumstances: Only use specific instances of conduct if character trait of a or victim is an essential issue or element of a charge, claim, or a defense. All three are available for civil cases or when character is in issue. Defamation case [character of the party bringing] Child custody case [character of either party] Negligent hiring or entrustment [character of employee] Wrongful death [character of the deceased calculation of damages] Character Evidence Generally [404(a)] I. As a general rule, evidence of a persons character is not admissible for the purpose of proving action in conformity therewith on a particular occasion, except, under a few special circumstances. [character is never directly an issue in criminal cases]: A.Character of Accused [only criminal cases] Mercy Rule/Opening the Door The accused may offer evidence of a pertinent character trait [in the form of opinion or reputation only]. However, then the prosecution may then cross-examine the witnesses on specific acts to test their qualifications. Hypo: On cross examination, did you know/have you heard about this act of violence [specific act]. This does not come in to prove that the person is predisposed for violence. Asked in good faith it comes in to test the basis and challenge character witnesss opinion or knowledge of reputation. Also, they may introduce substantive rebuttal evidence with reputation or opinion witness testimony as to the s bad character. Specific instances allowed only where it is essential to the character of the crime. B. Character of Alleged Victim [only criminal cases] [favors prosecution] Subject to limitations from 412, the accused may introduces pertinent character trait of a victim [opinion/reputation]. Example: claims self-defense & that the victim was the first aggressor Example: Honesty and law abiding citizen However, then the prosecution may rebut this with character evidence about the victim (peacefulness) or about the s aggressive nature. It also allows the prosecutor in rebuttal to introduce character evidence about the relevant to that same trait of character and also their violent character. [victim = rubber, = glue] Evidence of Character of Witness [Civil or Criminal] [impeachment] 607, 608, 609 Other crimes, wrongs, or acts [applies to civil/criminal] [most litigated rule] [advanced notice] Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts, although not admissible to prove character, may be admissible for some other purposes (list is not an exclusive list) provided there is timely notice: Non-propensity acts! Always consider 403 [unfair prejudice?!]. Prior or subsequent. Motive Opportunity [access or present at the scene of the crime] Intent [similarity between charged crime and the other crimes]
Preparation Plan or scheme Knowledge Identity / modus operandi / signature [particularly unique to this ] Absence of mistake or accident Standard of Proof - Strong enough that the jury could reasonably find that the other crime was committed by [less than preponderance of the evidence]. Character in Sex Offense Cases Rape Shield Rule [412] [criminal and civil] Generally Prior sexual history or predisposition (character) of alleged victim in a sex assault case (criminal or civil) is not admissible for propensity as matter of public policy (regardless if relevant or not). This rule qualifies 404(a) (2). Never through reputation or opinion, only specific acts from exceptions. Public Policy So the victim will not be put on trial. However, prior false accusations are not excluded from the jury hearing. But you still must show that this person lied. Exceptions [provide 15 day notice and in camera hearings required] Criminal Case Evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the alleged victim to prove that a person other than the accused was the source of semen, injury, or other physical evidence. Prior sexual conduct between accused and the victim on issue of consent. Evidence the exclusion of which would violate the constitutional rights of the . 6th Amendment right to confront. Civil Case Employs 403 balancing test rather than the specific exceptions stated. Compares probative value of any kind of sexual conduct proof with the dangers of unfair prejudice & harm to the alleged victim. Prior Offenses by s in Sex Crime Trials [413] Where a is accused of sexual assault, evidence of other sexual assault offenses is admissible, and may be considered on any matter to which it is relevant [subject to rule 403]. The rule rejects the anti-propensity stance of 404(a). 414 Child Molestation Cases 415 Civil Cases Concerning Sexual Assault of Child Molestation
Feasibility claims that there was no safer way to handle the situation and then implemented a safer way following the accident. Unless expert speaks in absolute terms, it cannot come in. Tuer v. McDonald, MD, 1997, p. 440 [doctors judgment not absolute] Reasonably safe. No. At the time to be more practicable or safer. No. Impeach or Contradict Use to rebut claim of there was no hazard. Ownership or Control Ownership or control of the property that caused the accident.
The evidence is of relatively little probative value, because most people agree that whether one has insurance coverage reveals little about the likelihood that he will act carelessly.
refresh a witness no longer privileged under attorney work-product. Anything you show to a witness, you should anticipate that will be produced in court! It argues for caution in that area. Excluding Victims from Courtroom [615] Fact witnesses are not permitted to be in court while other fact witnesses are testifying so that it wont shape their testimony. Susanna and the Elders, p. 502, 1978. Exceptions: A party member, or An officer or employee of a party which is not a natural person designated as its representative by its attorney, or A person whose presence is shown by a party to be essential to the presentation of the partys cause [experts advice], or A person authorized by statute to be present.
Cant hear, blind, Tanner Jury [drunk, high], wearing headphones, mental health issues. Limitation You cannot harass or embarrass the witness [611(a)]. Showing that he is by Disposition Untruthful **Once a witness takes the stand she puts her credibility at issue** 607
Good faith [611(a)] cross-examining the target witness about specific instances of non-conviction misconduct casting doubt on his veracity [608(b)]. [Rare instance to allow impeachment by propensity].
Rule No extrinsic proof allowed! At the discretion of the court, uncharged behavior where the person has not been convicted that speaks to the witnesss credibility if probative of truthfulness or untruthfulness. You have to take the witnesses answer through cross examination! Policy Policy of judicial convenience decision that if you have allowed this you will be side-tracked. Examples Forgery, fraud, deceit, perjury, counterfeiting, embezzlement. Case U.S. v. Manske, p. 526, 1999 -appellant was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Prior to trial, government made a motion in limine to bar from questioning a witness, who was also a co-, regarding threats that the witness had made and potential bias. Proof of bias may properly show the following . . . fear by the witness for his personal safety or the safety of friends or family, relating to the parties or issues in suit.
Risk that a juror might well use the information about the prior conviction not to test the credibility of the s particular testimony. Non-Accused Is the probative value of admitting the evidence substantially outweighed by unfair prejudice? 403! What Kind of Conviction? If the accused - Garden-variety Conviction [Gordon Factors] Gordon factors met then you let it in. No appellate right on that issue unless D decides to testify and does not bring it up. Nature of the offence Crime of dishonesty? Recent/remote 10 years or less? Whether it is similar to the charged offense Same offense Danger is that it can come in as propensity evidence. s record is otherwise clean No other felony convictions? 10 years? The idea that you can rehabilitate yourself. The importance of credibility issues Favors the prosecution! It means the jury in weighing the credibility should hear that this guy is a convicted felon. The importance of getting the s own testimony. Is it the whole case? Crime of Dishonesty [609(a)(2)] Any witness convicted of a crime [felony or misdemeanor] involving elements of a false statement or dishonesty is admitted. If you can show that a witness has been convicted of a crime of dishonesty, there is no 403 balancing test. It will come in! Fraud, perjury, embezzlement, tax evasion. Crimes of violence, theft crimes, and crimes of stealth are not crimes of dishonesty but look at underlying circumstances. United States v. Lipscomb, p. 539, 1983 [possession of heroin] The court has discretion to determine when to inquire into the facts & circumstances underlying a prior conviction & how extensive an inquiry to conduct. Luce v. United States, p. 552, 1984 [ does not testify] To perform the balancing test, the court must know the precise nature of the s testimony, which is unknowable when, as here, the does not testify. The client gets to choose when to testify. To raise and preserve for review the claim of improper impeachment with a prior conviction, a must testify. Put your client on and you may not bring it out yourself since you cant complain! Its an absurd result, if you got something bad about your witness you bring it out so that you dont look like you are hiding it. Time [609(b)] Not admissible if it has been more than 10 years from date of release or date of conviction (whichever is more recent), unless the court determines that the probative value of the conviction substantially outweighs its prejudicial effect.
If more than 10 years, not admissible unless proponent gives advanced written notice of intent with opportunity by other party to contest. Effect of Pardon, Annulment, or Certificate of Rehabilitation [609(c)] Disallows use of convictions to impeach where formal procedures indicate that the witness has been rehabilitated (pardoned, annulled, certification) or witness is innocent. Juvenile Adjudication [609(d)] Juvenile convictions are never admissible. But it may it necessary be admissible to impeach someone other than the accused. Like a state witness that they are biased. Any other witness besides the accused. Pendency of Appeal [609(e)] The fact that the prior conviction is being appealed does not make the conviction inadmissible. The pendency of the appeal is a fact that can be disclosed to the jury. Specific but Indefinite Methods Prior Inconsistent Statement [613] Rule Examining Witness Concerning Prior Statement [613(a)] A cross-examiner may ask a witness about a prior statement without showing it to the witness, if the statement was written, and without saying in advance what the details of that prior statement might have been. No foundation needed. However, on request it shall be shown or disclosed to opposing counsel. Extrinsic Evidence of Prior Inconsistent Statement of Witness [613(b)] If a prior inconsistency is proved by extrinsic evidence - document, generally the witness must have an opportunity at some point to explain or deny it [foundation]. The adverse party [usually the one who called the witness] must also have a chance to interrogate her, or the interests of justice otherwise require. Exception Admission by a party opponent do not need an opportunity to explain. 801(d) (2). Prior inconsistent statement made under oath at a proceeding is not hearsay. Can you use extrinsic evidence? Depends on what the statement is and whether you need it for impeachment. Cases United States v. Webster, p. 561, 1984 [aiding and abetting a robbery] The credibility of a witness may be attacked by any party, including the party calling the witness [607]. If you have a good faith basis, that you want to get before the jury, separate admissible purpose, we may allow you to impeach that witness. However, not solely to impeach that witness with otherwise inadmissible evidence! Harris v. New York, p. 565, 1971 [Miranda impeachment] Generally, if police violated s 5th amend right by questioning after custody, but before he was given his Miranda rights (not coercive statement though) - s statements cannot be used in prosecutions case in chief. However, if testifies inconsistently with this otherwise inadmissible evidence, then his prior inconsistent statements can be used by prosecution to impeach only. You cant use Fifth
Amendment as a license to perjury. Same thing with 4th Amendment Cannot come in to prove, but elects to take the stand and contradicts they do so at their own peril. Jenkins v. Anderson, p. 571, 1980 [pre-arrest silence to impeach] While the Fifth Amendment guaranteed the right to remain silent, an accused who chose to testify was subject to cross and could be impeached like any other witness. Every criminal is privileged to testify in his own defense, or to refuse to do so. But that privilege cannot be construed to include the right to commit perjury. Pre-arrest silence under circumstances (murder/self-defense), if a reasonable person would have complained to the authorities, your failure to complain is an omission. Weir v. Fletcher, p. 575, 1980 [where was the knife?] Questioning about post-arrest but pre-warning silence did not violate the Fifth Amendment if had an opportunity to explain to the police as to why he was acting in self-defense (a reasonable person would have said something at that time). Contradicting the Witness [p. 576] Definition When you have outside (extrinsic) evidence (not the witnesss prior statements) that contradicts the witnesss statements on the stand. Rule Outside (extrinsic) evidence must come in for another purpose than just contradiction in order to be used for impeachment purposes. Is it material or collateral? Extrinsic evidence is OK if it proves a substantive part in the case. Extrinsic evidence is OK if it proves some other purposes other than just contradiction: bias (never collateral), ability to perceive, recall, for merits of case. Evidence that will only show a mistake or false statement in something a witness has said about a collateral topic is prohibited from being introduced extrinsically. Public Policy Rule of judicial economy; we do not want to let in extrinsic evidence just for one purpose of showing contradiction. Case United States v. Havens, p. 581, 1980 [cocaine in sewn shirt] 4th amendment cant seize and search someones property without proper warrant.
Rehabilitation
Rule
Only rehabilitate on the matter that is being impeached on. You cannot rehabilitate until something is broken. Must meet the attack! But party can anticipate attack and can bring out on direct certain pts (e.g. past convictions, plea bargain of witness, expert testimony fees, witness connection with party). US v. Medical Therapy Services Science, p. 593, 1978 [Medicare]
Methods
Evidence of Good Character for Truthfulness Call witness to show good character for truth and veracity by reputation or opinion. 608(a) (2). Remember
proper foundation. Danger - Can ask character witness if he knows about specific bad conducts of (must have reasonable basis), if no then character witness lacks important info to form an opinion, if he does, then doesnt seem credible. Prior Consistent Statements with Trial Testimony [Substantive Use] 801(d) (1) (B): defines as not hearsay a prior consistent statement to rebut a charge that witness testimony is a recent fabrication or the product of undue influence or motive. permits use of prior statement to prove what it asserts. Start with Tome make determinations of whether pre-motive (if it is to rebut a charge of recent fabrication or undue influence, no matter for substantive or rehabilitative use, must be pre-motive) Must be pre-motive: the prior consistent statement must have been made before motive or influence came into play.
Exception
Can bolster even before being impeached if evidence of prior identification
Gatekeeper Trial Court is gatekeeper before jury hears expert testimony, qualified? Reliable [Daubert/Kumho] [non-exclusive] Whether theory/ method has been tested Has it been subjected to peer review and published Whether methodology has a high error rate Known standards controlling its operation Is it generally accepted by scientific community Novel ideas Can come in (strict standard) Daubert favors exclusion. Do not favor new methodology unless you can demonstrate reliability. Methodology is generally accepted. Relevant Must fit to the facts of the case Evidence that will Assist the Trier of fact Something that the trier of fact cant arrive on its own otherwise we dont need an expert for that. No picking sides since that does not assist the trier of fact. Opinion on Ultimate Issue [704] An expert is permitted to state an opinion on an ultimate issue in a case with the exception of issues of mental state in criminal cases. Exception A witness will generally not be permitted to give an opinion that amounts to how the case should be decided. In a criminal case, no opinion on a mental state if that is the ultimate issue in the state. Example An expert on mental health can testify about definitions of mental states, symptoms, and methodologies for making diagnoses and describe facts. However, in the criminal prosecution, the testimony is improper if it makes a specific conclusion about the crucial mental state of the that is at issue. [704(b)] That is a Q about her mental state that the jury has to decide. Presentation of Expert Testimony Establish that the matter at hand could benefit from expertise. Foundation Educational background, including degree . . . Experience, such as employment or practice Familiarity with the subject in suit. Qualifying the Witness Calling party asks the court to request to qualify witness as an expert. Bringing out Expert Opinion 705 allow calling to ask directly for the opinion or inference of the expert w/ prior disclosure of the basis. [Disclosure of Facts or Data Underlying Expert Opinion]. Cross Examination Expert may in any event be required to disclose the underlying facts or data on cross-examination. Court Appointed Experts [706] Permits courts to appoint independent experts that will advise parties rarely used. Reliability Standard for Scientific and Other Technical Evidence Old Test Frye v. United States, 1923 [primitive lie detector test] Such evidence must be generally accepted in the pertinent scientific community. New Test Daubert v. Merrell, p. 631, 1993 [Bendectin & Birth defects]
Kumho Tire Company v. Carmichael, p. 642, 1998 [tire blowout] Daubert test applies to any expert testimony not just scientific expert.
Belongs to a racial minority, Applied and was qualified for a job for which the employer was seeking He was rejected despite being qualified The position remained open and the employer continued to seek applicants. Public Policy It would be too difficult to prove otherwise.
phone conversation. That type of familiarity may be obtained in circumstances that provided a connection between that voice and the identity of the person whose voice the witness testifies that it was. Telephone Conversations By evidence that a call was made to the number assigned at the time by the telephone company to a particular person or business, Person [Outgoing] Circumstances, including self-identification, voice identification to show that the person answering to be the one called, or Difference when it is an [incoming call] received. Self-authentication by the caller is not enough. Someone may impersonate the caller or the callee may fabricate the whole conversation. Methods Recognize the voice Call was in response to a communication between X and himself at an earlier time. Caller displays personal knowledge Phone company records. Business The call was made to a place of business and the conversation related to business reasonably transacted over the telephone. Three Elements: Every conversation requires this foundation. Basic question: Is it relevant to our theory of the case? WWW. Where When Who Else Public Records and Reports Public (government) records may be authenticated by showing they were retrieved from the correct place of custody Ancient Documents or Data Compilation Three Requirements: Is in such condition as to create no suspicion concerning its authenticity, Was in a place where it, if authentic, would likely be, and Has been in existence 20 years or more at the time it is offered. No guarantee of admissibility because it may be hearsay. Process or System Evidence describing a process or system used to produce an accurate result may suffice to authenticate evidence derived from that process or system e.g., computer-generated documents. Methods provided by Statute or Rule Any method of authentication or identification provided by statute or rule is permissible. Other Methods of Authentication Photographs as Exhibits A foundation for the admissibility of photographs is generally laid by establishing that the photograph is a fair and accurate representation of the scene or object depicted. Who made the photograph and how it was made is generally not important unless you have belief that there was alteration of the photograph. Videos as Exhibits Like photographs, videotapes are authenticated upon a showing that they accurately depict the scene which they purport to portray. Must have witness to say that the camera was properly working. Also, someone who was working that day in the video. Someone to identify the person. Tangible Object You must establish the chain of custody. It is a requirement motivated by a concern for fairness and prevention of official misconduct. To establish, must show: Continuous care
Custody Control Example: A blood sample, what must the chain of custody be? RN to the Hospital P.O. Hospital to the Crime Lab Clerk Received the blood sample Chemist must testify that he/she tested the blood under normal conditions. Have witness come in & testify that the item is either the same or substantially the same. Self-Authentication [902] Certain types of documents are self-authenticating. These documents are presumed to be genuine and therefore require no extrinsic evidence of authenticity e.g., an authenticating witness. Domestic public document bearing a seal of a governmental entity; Domestic public document with no seal but containing a signature of an official and accompanied by a document under seal attesting to the officials signature. Certain foreign public documents bearing certified signatures; Certified copies of public records Official publications [books, pamphlets, or other publications] Newspapers and periodicals Trade inscriptions and the like [labels, tags, signs, etc.] Commercial papers and related documents Certified Domestic Records of Regularly Conducted Activity (11) Made at or near the time of the occurrence or from a person with knowledge of those matters Kept in the course of regularly conducted business Was made by the regularly conducted activity as a regular practice Demonstrative Evidence Definition: Anything that appeals to the jurors senses. It is premised upon the theory that it is easier and much more effective simply to show the jurors what is being described rather than to waste time and to risk possible confusion by relying solely upon oral testimony. Bodily exhibitions and demonstrations generally are permissible. However, the court has discretion to prohibit prejudicial exhibitions [or does not fairly represent what it is supposed to illustrate]. Three Major Purposes To establish the liability of the . To illustrate the full extent and severity of the plaintiffs injuries. To complement the written transcript for use on appeal. Examples Maps, diagrams, models, summaries, photos, day in the life films, and other materials created especially for the litigation.
To consider which of several writings is original, one must consider: Elements of the charge, Claim, Defense, Intention of the parties, Surrounding circumstances, The use to which the writing in question was put, and The purposes of the offering party Duplicate Counterpart produced by the same impression as the original. Requirement of Original [1002] To prove the content (not identity) of a writing, recording (video and audio), or photograph, the original is required, except otherwise unavailable or provided by statute or rule. Central Questions to Ask: Are the contents central to the case? Examples: To prove defamation, you need original defamatory letter If sued for violation of lease, you need the original of lease Suit about whether stole my music (intellectual property), you need to be original recording of music If the contents are not central to the case? You may prove without original. Refer to 1003 [admissibility of duplicates]. Is the witnesss knowledge based solely on the content and not independent? If so, you must introduce the original. However, if the witnesss knowledge is independent of the document, you may use witnesss testimony instead of the document. Admissibility of Duplicates [1003] Generally, a duplicate is admissible (e.g., photocopy). FRE makes copies produced by any reliable modern method presumptively admissible. Two Escape Clauses A genuine dispute is raised as to the authenticity of the original, or Circumstances make it unfair to admit the duplicate in lieu of the original. Exception: Copies produced manually, whether typed or hand-written, are not duplicates. They are so prone to inadvertent error or fraud. Excuses for Non-Production [1004] Originals are not required and other secondary evidence of the contents of a writing, recording, or photograph is admissible (satisfactorily explained) if [judge decides], Originals lost or destroyed Show that he explored all reasonable avenues of search. Proponent cannot intentionally destroy the original [bad faith]. Original not obtainable or extreme inconvenience Original in possession of opponent The original is in the hands of his adversary or under the latters control; and The proponent has notified him to produce it at the trial, and the adversary has failed to do so. Writing/Recording/Photo is collateral (not a central issue) Dispenses with the need for the original writing if the writing, recording, or photograph is not closely related to a controlling issue. United States v. Duffy - Writing on the t-shirt was not material to case prove it by admission of police officers testimony of what he saw on the t-shirt. Writing on t-shirt = inscribed chattel. Not central. Can prove it in secondary proof. Public Records [1005] The originals of official documents need not be produced in court as long as either: A certified copy of the document is used; OR A person who compared the copy to the original so testifies. Summaries [1006]
Where the photographs, recordings, or writings in question are voluminous, the proponent of the evidence may summarize their contents. Testimony or Written Admission of Party [1007] Contents of writings, recordings, or photographs may be proved by the testimony or deposition, or admission of the party against whom offered. Nearly all courts will allow the opponent to prove the contents of the writing by use of the admission rather than by production of the original. Functions of Court and Jury [1008] Under most circumstances, the trial judge decides preliminary questions concerning the applicability of the BER pursuant to 104(a). Whether the particular item of evidence is an original; Whether a particular item is a duplicate under FRE 1001, and therefore presumptively admissible under FRE 1003; Whether the original has been lost or destroyed; Whether the evidence relates to a collateral matter or rather to a controlling issue. However, there are three circumstances where jury should play an expanded role (a) When there is a question whether a writing ever existed, (b) When another writing is claimed to be the original, and (b) Whether other evidence of contents correctly reflects the contents of the original should also be a jury issue. Test Focus If we see a K, or a lease, or a deed, or a photograph, or an x-ray or a video tape in a fact pattern, ask ourselves does this meet the requirements of an original document [1001(3)]?
Definition
Hearsay [801(c)] Hearsay is a statement made or occurred out of court, and is offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted. Out of court Where was the statement made? It does not matter that the declarant is on the stand, if the statement was made out of court, then it is hearsay. Even if declarant is here testifying. Repeating own out-of-court statement does not prevent it from being hearsay. As long as the out-of-court statement is being offered for the truth of the matter asserted, the fact that the in court witness and the out-ofcourt declarant are the same is irrelevant. Statement [declarant person who makes statement] Oral, written, and conduct intended as an assertion. Conduct Assertive conduct You have to show that the actor intended it as an assertion and it is the objecting partys burden! More likely than not [preponderance]. Examples: Nodding your head and pointing a finger. Running away is never assertive conduct. Flight can be used to show some proof of consciousness of guilt. Non-assertive Conduct Conduct meant to accomplish something but not to effect a communication or make an assertion. Not hearsay under FRE. Non-assertive conduct is less subject to fabrication than assertive conduct. Commands and questions are not assertions. Wright v. Tatham, p. 110, 1837 [estates will hearsay]. What could you gain by cross-examining the hearsay
declarant and you could gain a lot! Offered for the truth of the matter asserted [TOMA] Need to know what the matter is coming in for. If the statement is hearsay, it doesnt fit any exception to the hearsay rule and the other party objects to its admission, the statement must be excluded. 802. Examples of What Is Not Offered for the Truth of the Matter Asserted Verbal acts (or parts of acts) If it is the same as doing something it is a verbal act and not hearsay. Legally operative language. For something to be a verbal act, does it create, alter, or destroy a legal relationship. Examples: Defamation Words of company Transfer of property Offer of marriage Words of coercion or duress Armed robberies words Labels Words as labels or markers (logos) that are used to ID a person/agent/thing are non-hearsay, because it is being offered not principally to prove that the assertion on the physical document is correct, but to prove some further inference. Examples: License plate is not hearsay or the back of the car that says Buick. Eagles Restaurant Bar & Grill on matchbook offered to show that went to that restaurant. Verbal Marker We are not going to consider as hearsay the out of court statement of testifying witnesses if we need the two witnesses to testify together to mark it. They both have to be present and both need to come to court. Two types: Statement of identification where it complete the identification Statements to mark when an event occurs. Shorthand Rule: Two people testifying about when an event occurred or mark, consider it as a verbal mark. You cant have a verbal marker with one person. Example: 1st witness says: I saw this man with Nichols. 2nd witness identifies that the person the bar maid pointed to was the . Effect on Hearer or Reader A statement offered to show its effect on the person who heard the statement is not hearsay. Examples: Where the statement is offered to show that the party assumed some risk, was put on notice, had a certain emotion/reaction, behaved reasonably or unreasonably, acted under duress, coercion or harassment, to show lack of companionship. Classic example of what federal rule? Reference to 105 [limited admissibility]. Trigger 403 for misuse of the evidence and use it for an improper purpose. Evidence for a limited purpose, is there a danger that the jury can misuse it? That means you need to subject that analysis with 403 analyses. Circumstantial evidence of state of mind Offered for persons state of mind - NOT for the truth of the matter asserted. A persons mental state is often a material issue. If that person makes a statement that manifests her state of mind, the statement is relevant. Frequently, such statements are hearsay, but fall within the exception for presently existing state of mind. Rule 803(3). Example: Anna Sofers Will Will as proof (saying that her husband was no good) that her husband could not prove damages for a loss of
companionship action. Circumstantial evidence of special knowledge by a person Circumstantial evidence offered in to show the declarants special knowledge. Declarants knowledge of unique facts (w/ no other readily apparent source) to show that that declarant was at a certain event/place. Example: Paper Mache Man Girl had personal knowledge of a unique figure in a particular room. Not to prove that the figurine was in the room (hearsay), but proof that the girl had been in the room before. What are the requirements for this kind of statement to come in: Show that this girl had never been to this s room before. State v. Bridges. The trial court found that the child had not been coached. She volunteered this information. Absence of Complaint to Prove the Non-Occurrence of an Event Testimony that there was no complaint is not hearsay and admissible. But you must show that the noncomplaining individuals were similarly-situated as the complaining party, had motive and opportunity to complain. Silence by a person is not considered to be a statement made out of court. Example: Cain v. George, p. 117, 1969 [carbon monoxide from heater] Declarant Must be a Person Non-human sources have no motivation to lie. Animals are not hearsay. Machines are not hearsay. It is an issue of calibration and authentication. Proper foundation must be laid. Examples: Text Message Yes. Somebody typed it in. A text message would be hearsay if it is offered for what it says. It is a form of utterance. Looking at the Clock No. Issue of calibration and authentication. Non-Assertive Mix Statements & Conduct: Person Did not Intend the Assertion Non-Assertive conduct is not hearsay and therefore admissible. Prove the actors belief in a fact; hence the fact itself is not hearsay. Assertion = picking someone out of a line-up to prove that he is guilty. That conduct is an assertion and is hearsay not admissible. Example: US v. Singer, p. 136, 1983 When the landlord writes that letter, whats the underlying belief? That hes there? Landlord sent letter to s address starting the eviction process. When landlord wrote the letter, the intention was to end the tenancy, not to say that lived at that address. There are two phrases: (1) I think. (2) I believe. Then: What could we gain by cross-examining the witness? What the book says is that every time there is a hearsay statement, put those statements in quotations. Thats all that you are saying. Black letter law this letter is not hearsay. But can you flip it around? Written assertion but it could be characterized as conduct. Best answer is to analyze conduct or is it just for what is written? Offered for the Lie of the Matter Asserted Most courts consider lying to not be hearsay. Use the I think, I believe analysis. Example: My Husband Is in Denver The home run answer its not hearsay, but this statement poses serious prejudicial risk that the jury will misuse it. The only relevant purpose shows three potential risks. While it may have some non-hearsay use to show that she believed hes guilty. Grave prejudicial risk since the jury does not know why shes doing. The tricky thing is that there are a lot of ways to explain that! All of them you want to test by cross-examining the witness. Using Statements to Prove Matters Assumed First determine what the evidence is being offered for and then look to the intent of the declarant. If the declarant did not intend to express the belief for which the evidence is offered for, then not hearsay.
If declarant had the intention, then hearsay risk, particularly in a criminal case. Example: US v. Pacelli, p. 142, 1974 [criminal case] family gather and talk about getting rid of one the witnesses to prevent him for testifying against . Was gathering of family intended to show that Pacelli was guilty? Court held that this gathering of family and talking about getting rid of witness was an assertion and therefore, hearsay and inadmissible. Argue both ways on this!! When it doubt the 6th Amendment trumps the federal rules.
If a person sees a crime, later tells the police that the crime was committed by X and testifies at Xs trial, the outof-court statement is admissible as substantive evidence that X committed the crime.
Is this an admission by an authorized spokesperson? When a person hires another to speak for him, it is fair to allow the words of the latter to establish facts at trial against the former. Is it fair? Its a judgment call. Admissions in Judicial Proceeding Pleadings from prior lawsuits, written interrogatories, admissions filed in request to admit. Example: Couldnt He See the Boys, p. 201 Attorney speaking on behalf of client. Is this the right result that the jury gets to hear this? You can always plead in the alternative! Admissions by Employees and Agents [801(d)(2)(D)] A statement by a partys agent or servant concerning a matter within the scope of the agency or employment, made during the existence of the relationship. No personal knowledge is required. Requires corroboration! [801(d)(2) Last Sentence] Examples: Truck driver of Best Buy gets into a crash, admits his brakes failed. It can be used against Best Buy. Internal company email messages speaking about matters within the scope of her duties. Exception: Statements by public employees have not been admissible against the government. Independent contractors are not covered because the principal exercises less control over what they do. Mahlandt v. Wild Canid, p. 203, 1978 [child bitten by wolf] A statement is admissible, once it is established that the declarant is an agent and the statement in question was made within the scope. An express requirement of personal knowledge on the part of the declarant of the facts underlying his statement is not written into 801. Co-conspirator Statements [801(d)(2)(E)] (civil or criminal) Statement made by one co-conspirator is admissible against other co-conspirator, so long as the statement was made during the course of the conspiracy and in furtherance of it. Conspiracy need not be charged. Elements: Conspiracy existed (preponderance of the evidence) The court will exclude the statement if the only evidence that the statement satisfies comes from the statements contents. Declarant was part of the conspiracy During the course of the venture (pendency requirement) and Does not reach statements made before or after a conspiracy. In furtherance of the aims (furtherance requirement) Promote the ends of the conspiracy. Example: Bourjaily v. US, p. 212, 1987 [conspiracy to distribute cocaine] A judge cannot allow the jury to hear a coconspirators declaration until he has determined admissibility by a preponderance of the evidence [104(a)]. Contents of the declarants statement do not alone suffice to establish a conspiracy in which the declarant and the participated. You can use the statement itself, but you need some other proof.
Example: Nuttal v. Reading Co., p. 221, 1956 [sick engineman goes to work] Court held that appellant's husband's statements during and immediately following the telephone conversation should have been admitted into evidence to prove that he was being compelled to come to work.
of another. RULE: You cannot separate the two! But with independent, corroborating evidence then you can! Fact laden! Shepard v. US, p. 240, 1933 [Dr. Shepard has poisoned me] FACTS: Charged with murder by poison of his wife. Not a dying declaration. Statement of memory or belief. RULE: Exception does not apply to statements of memory or belief about past actions or events. RULE: Statements that look backwards raise all the hearsay dangers: perception, memory, narration, and sincerity Intent Coupled with Recital of Past Acts Where the main thrust of the statement is the future-looking part, most courts will allow the entire statement to come in. If you see a statement predominantly looking in the future, but contains some memory or belief to explain that future conduct we wont keep it out. Facts about Declarants Will 803(3) creates an exception for statements about declarants will. The language generally bars use of the exception to prove a fact remembered or believed, but this restriction does not apply to statements relating to the execution, revocation, identification, or terms of declarants will. It can include a statement of memory or belief.
offered by an adverse party. Notes: Some types of documents might be alternatively admissible under the business records exception.
Single hearsay: declarant (document) says matter asserted. Double hearsay: declarant 1 (document) says declarant 2 said matter asserted. If you explicitly quote someone in the document, you have double hearsay
Reputation Statements
Personal or Family History [803(19)] Reputation within his family, associates, in the community, regarding some aspect of his birth, marriage, blood relationship, etc. Reputation for Character [803(21)] Reputation among associates or in a community is pure hearsay, but we let it in. The fact that so many different hearsay statements all concur makes them, in theory, more reliable than a single hearsay statement. This exception merely removes the hearsay problem. There remain some important restrictions on the use of character evidence generally. 404(a).
for societys laws. 609(a) (1). Cant be conviction against other persons other than accused. It would be unconstitutional for the government to use a third persons convictions as part of its case in chief.
death. First-hand knowledge required! Not someone elses. Unavailable relating to the cause of the injury. Belief that death is imminent [does not actually need to die] Admissible in all civil cases and in homicide/murder prosecutions. Public Policy There is no motive to lie! Preliminary Fact Questions The judge makes a preliminary factual determination: if he decides that there is enough evidence that the requisite awareness of death existed that a jury could reasonably find that there was such awareness, he will let the jury hear the declaration.
Statement against Interest [804(b)(3)] [not firmly rooted hearsay exception] Statements against Financial (Civil) Interest Rule: At the time the statement was made, this statement is so against the declarants interest that she wouldnt have made it, unless it was true. Unavailable declarant which assumes: Debt Relinquishes some financial right Case: Demasi v. Whitney, p. 315, 1937 [$70.17] Statements against Criminal Interests Rule - Statements against interest by an unavailable declarant that incriminate the declarant, it has to be precustodial. Bruton! Criminal Cases Statements Implicating the Accused Pre-Custodial A and I robbed the bankunder these circumstances, this statement may come in because there is no motivation to lie. Post-Custodial Considered inherently unreliable because people in custody are motivated to shift blame. (Ask yourself, when the statement was made!) Williamson v. United States, p. 318, 1994 804 (b) (3) does not reach associated (collateral) comments, only those that reach to against-interest statements. Example: I did it part allowed, but not the part with Johnny. One of the most effective ways to lie is to mix falsehood with truth. Criminal Cases Statements Exonerating the Accused *Corroboration Requirement* For statements offered to exonerate the accused, not implicate, 804(b) (3) requires corroboration [independent evidence that directly or circumstantially tends to prove the same points on which the statement is offered]. Forfeiture by Wrongdoing [804(b)(5)] Rule Admits statements against a party who engaged or acquiesced in wrongdoing that was intended to, and did, make the speaker unavailable as a witness by killing, threatening, or bribing the . You cannot claim a 6th amendment right. As a result, anything the declarant said automatically becomes admissible against the when the was the one who made the declarant unavailable. Standard The State must prove that the made the declarant unavailable by a preponderance of the evidencemore likely than not that the made the declarant or one of the agents unavailable.
Situations
Hearsay being offered against criminal under an exception Ohio v. Roberts, p. 360, 1980 [checks and credit cards] Hearsay against criminal must be firmly rooted. If not, then court can only look to circumstances surrounding the making of the statement itself to determine its reliability. Still good law for non-testimonial statements! Crawford v. Washington, p. 363, 2004 [convicted of assault] Testimonial hearsay statements must be excluded in the absence of the declarants presence and availability for cross-examination at trial unless: The declarant is available at the trial for cross-examination, or The declarant is unavailable and the defendant against whom the statement is sought to be introduced had an earlier opportunity to cross-examine the declarant. Post-Ohio v. Roberts Idaho v. Writing, p. 362, 1990 - If it is not a firmly rooted exception [Ex. Catchall exception, statement
against interest], and it is a brand new hearsay exception, you can only look to the circumstances around the making of the statement itself to determine its trustworthiness and reliability. Examples: Spontaneity and consistent repetition, mental state of the declarant, and use of terminology unexpected of a child of similar age.
The Emergency Doctrine [*criminal cases*] Davis v. Washington, p. 379, 2006 [911 operator call] Non-Testimonial Statements made in a 911 call are non-testimonial when the objective circumstances indicate that the primary purpose of the questioning was to enable the police to respond to an emergency. True emergency. Example: Speaking about events as they were actually happening, rather than describing past events. Testimonial Statements to the police will be testimonial when the objective circumstance shows that there was no emergency and the primary purpose of the questioning was to establish past events potentially relevant to criminal prosecution. 911 to 411. Example: Part of an investigation into possible criminal past conduct. Limited Circumstances Due process may require admissibility of hearsay in limited circumstances. Chambers v. Mississippi, 1973 [death penalty] Rule If you are seeking the death penalty, otherwise inadmissible hearsay may be admissible against government it its the only way for the to cross (i.e. confront) the prosecutions proof. [This has only been applied in death penalty cases]. Facts Exclusion, under state hearsay rules, of exculpatory testimony that another party had committed the crime, which under the circumstances was likely to be trustworthy and within the rationale of the exception for declarations against penal interest, coupled with the State's refusal to allow to cross-examine a key witness because of a common-law rule that a party may not impeach his own witness, denied him a trial in accord with fundamental standards of due process. Child Abuse Victim Case Hypo: A child accuses X of sexual abuse; the child is interviewed by Victims rights advocate and child protective services, and tells them what happened to her. This testimony is recorded. Option A: If child is unavailable (b/c they rule that the child would be traumatized by testifying again so shes unavailable)---Will the court let it in? Arguably, NO, because the purpose of the child going to the victim rights
advocate group IS to preserve her testimony for court, w/ the purpose for prosecuting. (is it reasonable to infer that the statement would be used in court) Option B: The second scenario is to look at the circumstances surrounding the statement. Under the circumstances, is the information being gathered for testimony in court? Consider the fact that the declarant is a child. Look at the circumstances. Its a tough call b/c you want to protect children.
Spousal
Adverse Spousal Privilege [criminal cases] Rule Government cannot compel one spouse to be a witness against her spouse in a criminal case. Only adverse testimony. Predates marriage, but it must be a valid marriage at the time of trial. It is a blanket privilege.
Belongs to Testifying Spouse Only [Trammel v. US] must be married at the time of the testimony. If they get divorced, than there is no privilege to info said after the marriage was over. Ex-spouse can testify regarding info after the divorce. Example If husband and wife communicate about husbands illegal activity. Govt calls wife to testify and that testifying wife can say she does not want to testify at all. Confidential Communication between Spouses [criminal & civil cases] Rule Any confidential [things said between the spouses in confidence] communication between spouses during a valid marriage may not be disclosed by either side. It survives the marriage even if it ended. If child is present, then not privileged if parents are aware the child is present and the child can communicate (old enough to). Belongs to both spouses* Only covers what they said during their marriage. Nothing before marriage. Exception Crime against other spouse Suites by one spouse against the other [divorce]
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Admit
No
Yes
Admit
No
Yes
Yes
No
Is it testimonial?
court can only consider circumstances surrounding the making of the statement itself to determine its reliability