final exam Flashcards
State V Johnson, facts of the case
A 19-year-old man was on trial for statutory rape. It was alleged that the
19-year-old had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old woman. As a result
of the alleged statutory rape the young woman had a baby. As part of the
state’s case in chief, the prosecutor offered the baby as evidence for a
comparative inspection for purposes of identifying the father. (In other
words, to see if the baby looked like the father, the D.)
state v johnson, what did the defense object to?
The defense objects to the inclusion of the baby as evidence stating that
the baby will only promote prejudice within the jury against the
defendant.
state v johnson, how did the court rule on the defense’s objection?
The court overrules the objection, and the baby is allowed in as evidence.
state v johnson, was the defendant convicted?
Defended was convicted to two years in the state penitentiary.
state v johnson, did the defense counsel object when it was time to submit jury instructions?
no
state v johnson, why did the defendant appeal the conviction?
- the manner in which the baby was exhibited was highly prejudicial to the D
- The baby was not old enough to possess “settled features or other
corporeal indications” - there was no probative value as any comparison would be speculative,
indefinite and uncertain
state v johnson, Is a baby real evidence and relevant to a charge of statutory rape (cites to other court cases)
State v Palmberg: he prosecuting witness has the right to testify that she became
pregnant and gave birth to a child as a result of the intercourse she referred to, and, if she had the child in the courtroom , we see no impropriety nor valid objection to her pointing it out and
saying, ‘That is the child I gave birth to as a result of such intercourse.’”
* Statutory rape case that involving a 13 year old girl that testified that she was pregnant as a result of sexual intercourse with her step-father. The pregnancy was allowed in as evidence.
State v. Miller: The court stated, “the fact that a child was born is an absolute showing that a crime was
committed.
what year was state v johnson?
1950
state v johnson, how did the court rule on the appeal?
affirmed the original courts decision.
what year was frye v united states?
1923
Frye test (expert witness)
requires general acceptance of scientific theory or practice within the relevant community – only then is the scientific test or procedure admissible as evidence in the trial. Avoids use of “junk science” or questionable principles as evidence.
when was Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals?
1983
Daubert/Kumho Tire test (expert witness)
equires that principles used by the expert be generallyreliable (but maybe not yet generally accepted w/I the scientific community).
* General acceptance within the community is one factor, not sole factor
* Decision about soundness of principles made by court, not community
* Followed by federal courts and most state courts
example of a Daubert jurisdiction
north carolina
in daubert, what case was overruled?
In Daubert the USSC effectively overruled Frye in fed cts, holding that the case law was inconsistent with the applicable evidence rules, namely, FRE Rule 702. The Court held that the twin standards of Rule 702 – relevance and reliability – are incompatible with the stricter “general acceptance” test.
in daubert, the Court emphasized the trial judge’s “gatekeeping responsibility” when admitting expert testimony and listed some factors to consider:
- Whether the expert’s technique or theory can be tested and assessed for reliability
- Whether the technique or theory has been subject to peer review and publication
- The known or potential rate of error of the technique or theory
- The existence and maintenance of standards and controls
- Whether the technique or theory has been generally accepted in the scientific
community
Under Daubert, the Court encouraged a more liberal approach to admitting expert testimony, stressing the importance of what?
subjecting witnesses to rigorous cross examination
FRE rule 702, five requirements for expert testimony
- Qualified by knowledge, skill, experience, training or education
- Specialized knowledge will help jury understand or determine fact in
issue - Testimony is based on sufficient facts or data
- Testimony is product of reliable principles and methods
- Witness has reliable applied principles and methods to facts
in crawford v washington, Crawford’s lawyer objected arguing what?
that Crawford had the right, under the
Confrontation Clause in the Sixth Amendment, to confront his accuser in court. He argued there was no way to cross examine a tape.
The judge overruled the objection saying that the taped “testimony” did not require cross examination because it was reliable (and wife was unavailable as a witness pursuant to the privilege).
when was crawford v washington?
2004
crawford v washington, Court held the 6th A demands
- Unavailability of the declarant (wife); and
- Prior opportunity to cross examine the wife
crawford v washington, USSC held that…
Crawford’s 6th A right to confront and cross examine his accuser had been violated b/c of the hearsay that came in on the audiotape. The playing of the wife’s testimony by audiotape prevented
the D from confronting or conducting any cross-examination of the wife.
crawford v washington, was crawford convicted?
yes, he was convicted of attempted murder and assault and sentenced to 15 years.
Crawford v. Washington, facts of case
On an August night in Olympia, WA in 1999, Crawford’s wife, Sylvia, told
him that a man named Kenneth Lee had tried to rape her. Instead of going
to the police, the drunk and angry Crawfords went to Lee’s apartment.
The two men started a brawl and Michael Crawford stabbed Kenneth in
the stomach. Both Crawford and Sylvia wee arrested and interrogated
separately by the police. Though they gave similar statements there was
one major difference. Crawford claimed he stabbed Kenneth in self
defense. Sylvia said Kenneth was unarmed. That statement was enough to
case doubt on any self-defense argument that Crawford might present in
court.
crawford v washington, Washington state had a law that…
prohibited spouses from being forced to testify against each other, so at Crawford’s trial, Sylvia never took the stand. But the
police had taped her interrogation back at the station, and the judge allowed
the prosecution to introduce this tape as testimony that Crawford’s crime was
attempted murder not excused by self-defense.
what happened after the conviction? (appeals)
- Wash State appellate court reversed (reversed b/c of hearsay
admitted)(Win for Crawford) - WA SC reversed (reinstated conviction)(Win for the State)
- USSC (reversed WA SC)(win for Crawford)
the 6th A’s Confrontation Clause
gives Ds the right to….
confront witnesses and cross-examine their testimony.
This includes testimony that the police gather. The Court reasoned that the
Framers intended the Confrontation Clause to prohibit out-of-court
testimony as evidence against D.
when was Davis v. Washington?
2006
Davis v. Washington facts of case
Female calls 911 to report an assault by her boyfriend who was
under a no-contact order and who had just fled the house. She did not
testify at his trial for assault, but the prosecutors played her 911 call over
his objection at trial.
Davis v. Washington, What is the objection?
hearsay
Davis v. Washington, was the D convicted?
yes
Davis v. Washington, what happened after conviction? (appeals)
- WA Ct of Apps affirms
- WA SC Affirms
- USSC affirms
Davis v. Washington, why was the conviction affirmed?
the 911 call was not “testimonial” in nature. Victim was talking to operator (not police), describing events as they were taking place, describing events that needed a police response. Here, statements were necessary to help police resolve the ongoing emergency.
Davis v. Washington, Statements are nontestimonial when….
made in the course of police
interrogation under circumstances objectively indicating that the primary
purpose of the interrogation is to enable police assistance to meet an ongoing emergency.
Davis v. Washington, statements are testimonial when…
the circumstances objectively indicate that there is no such ongoing emergency, and that the primary purpose of the interrogation is to establish or prove past events potentially relevant to later criminal prosecution.
when was Hammon v. Indiana?
2006
Hammon v. Indiana, facts of the case/trial
Hammon charged with domestic abuse on his wife and when police arrived they took her statements that he’d beaten her. Wife signed an affidavit stating that husband beat her. She did not appear to testify at his bench trial. Over D’s 6th A objection, the trial court admitted the affidavit and
other information wife had given to one of the officers. Officer was also put on the stand to testify what wife/victim said to him and to authenticate her affidavit.
Hammon v. Indiana, how did the USSC rule?
USSC ruled that wife’s statements to police were testimonial in nature and
the admission of the stmts into evidence violated the D’s 6th A rights to cross examination and confrontation.
The officer’s questions were directed at determining what had happened and was part of an investigation into alleged criminal conduct. The more formal features of the investigation and affidavit strengthened the testimonial aspects of the testimony given by the police and through the introduction of the affidavit
at trial.
Reversed and remanded.
Steps in a criminal case
- Arrest and Booking
- Complaint and First Appearance
or
Indictment or Information - Arraignment
- Discovery, exchange of evidence by both side
- Trial
- Sentencing by the Court
trial steps
- Opening Statements
- Prosecution’s Case in Chief
- Prosecution Rests
- Defendant’s Case in Chief
- Closing Arguments
- Jury Instructions and Deliberation
- Sentencing by the Court
Types of Evidence
- Testimony
- Real, tangible, physical,
documentary - Character
- Intellectual copyright, patent,
trademark - Habits and customs
- Judicially noticed findings
- Conviction records
- Public records
- Recordings, motion pictures,
photos, videos - Vital statistics/actuarial tables
- Mental state or condition
Evidence must be (three things)
- Relevant
- Reliable
- Competent to be admitted
what is Real evidence?
any physical object that can be used to help prove or disprove a fact in a case.
what is evidence?
The means of establishing and proving the truth or untruth of any fact
alleged
what is the result of evidence?
proof
who is the trier of fact?
the jury
what elements make up the burden of proof for the prosecution?
- Burden of production
- Burden of persuasion
when may the defendant have a burden of proof?
if offering an affirmative defense
definition of Reasonable Doubt Standard?
No exact definition, NO need for absolute certainty.
Circumstantial Evidence
Evidence that indirectly proves a fact in issue. Fact finder must draw an inference.
Proving Intent in a Criminal Case, The law recognizes that people….
intend the natural and probable
consequences of their deliberate acts
what print evidence can be forensic evidence in criminal case?
fingerprints and shoe prints
Defense lawyers use ______ as evidence of reasonable doubt.
lack of motive
general rule of Prior Bad Acts
a D in a criminal trial must answer for only THAT crime at his trial
why is evidence of prior bad acts or crimes generally inadmissible?
Because of unfair prejudice caused in the minds of the jury.
Exceptions to prior bad acts general rule
FRE 404(b), “other crimes, wrongs, or
acts” may be used to show motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge”.
Where NO Inferences Should be Drawn
- When D asserts the 5th (no inference of guilt)
- No stmt by prosecutors that D remained silent after arrest
- Where info is protected by rape shield law
- Where suspect wants to talk to a lawyer
- Cessation of signature crimes after arrest of suspect
Common grounds for appeal?
insufficiency of the evidence. Defense argues that there was not sufficient evidence to support the guilty verdict beyond a reasonable doubt.
(this is done in cases that hinge on mostly circumstantial evidence)
Presumptions and Inferences
A rule of law that allows a jury in a criminal case to infer or deduce the
existence of a second fact from the first.
(example: where a person has been missing for 3 years with no explanation
(basic fact), the presumed fact arises that the person is deceased at the end of the 3 year period)
______ is the slipperiest
member of the family of legal terms. (McCormick on Evidence)
presumption
Corroborative evidence
evidence that strengthens or confirms already existing evidence.
Prima facie evidence
“at first sight”. the evidence is strong enough to prove something unless someone can prove it wrong. It can also be used to describe something that appears valid at first glance but may need further evidence or information to confirm.
Conclusive evidence
evidence that is so strong and convincing that it leaves no room for doubt and settles a question or argument. (ex: DNA of paternity)
Conflicting evidence
Evidence from different sources which cannot be reconciled.
example: multiple wills
Cumulative evidence
additional evidence that supports a fact that has already been established.
(ex: multiple photos)
Positive and negative evidence
evidence that the claim is true (positive evidence) and evidence it is false (negative evidence).
(ex: a witness stating they saw an event vs a witness stating they did not see the event)
Testimonial evidence
evidence that can be used in a court proceeding by a witness’ testimony
Tangible evidence
physical evidence.
(ex: Items such as weapons, tools, Paperwork like contracts, letters, Electronic items such as hard drives, USB sticks, etc.)
Demonstrative evidence
a visual, graphic, or sound aid used to explain or illustrate a witness’s testimony or the presentation of the proponent’s case.
(ex: diagram, chart, photo, video)
Scientific evidence
considered to be opinion evidence, which means that it is evidence presented in court by a witness of what he/she believes to be true in regard to the facts of the case.
(ex: crime and coroner’s lab evidence)
US Constitution wanted to…
safeguard rights of the accused
Bill of Rights
Applicable to the States (through the 14th) and the Feds.
Added to “embody certain guarantees and immunities which were inherited from our English ancestors.”
Most rights found in which amendments?
Fifth and Sixth Amendments
Basic Rights
- Presumption of innocence
- Speedy trial
- Indictment
- Fair (not perfect) trial
- Assistance of counsel
- Informed of charge
- Right to compel witnesses attendance
- D can elect not to testify
- Confrontation
- Free from unreasonable Searches and Seizures
- Impartial jury
5th Amendment
- Indictment before GJ (no detention w/o that)
- Double jeopardy
- Freedom to Take 5
- Innocent until proven guilty
6th Amendment
- Fair and Speedy Trial
- Impartial jury
- Info about the charges
- Ability to confront and cross examine
- Have counsel
- Fair but not perfect trial (Harmless and reversible error)
1st Amendment issues
free speech
4th Amendment issues
search and seizure
5th Amendment issues
self incrimination
what types of challenges do counselors have during voir dire?
Peremptory and for cause challenges
2nd Amendment issues
gun rights
Batson v. Kentucky, (1986)
held that you may not use peremptory challenges to eliminate jurors based on race
harmless error
the verdict wouldn’t change absent the error
If make prima facie challenge case showing jurors were excluded based on race, then the other side must provide a ______ reason justifying the challenge
“race neutral”
Juror challenges are designed to ensure…
an impartial jury (Guaranteed by 6th A)
Booking Routine administrative procedures
fingerprinting, photography, recording of information
(A lawful arrest makes any evidence lawfully obtained during booking
admissible)
A challenge for cause
a request to remove a potential juror from a jury panel during jury selection. A challenge is made when there is a specific reason to believe a juror may not be able to be impartial and fair. unlimited in number.
Excusing jurors for cause is an issue in ______ cases.
death penalty
significance of Faretta v. CA 1975
6th A allows you to act as your own lawyer unless:
1. the request was untimely
2. the D abused the right of self representation
3. The request was made solely for the purposes of delay
4. The case is too complex, or
5. The D is unable to voluntarily and intelligently waive her right to a
lawyer
peremptory challenge
a legal right that allows attorneys to remove a certain number of potential jurors or judges without stating a reason. limited in number.
arrest must be based on
probable cause
(Arrest warrant guarantees probable cause and avoids evidentiary pitfalls)
significance of Strickland v. Washington 1984
A convicted D who claims he was represented by an inadequate or ineffective lawyer must prove:
1. The lawyer’s defense fell below the objective standard of
reasonableness, AND
2. The outcome at trial would have been different.
reversible error
the mistake was so significant that the verdict would be different.
True bill
(also called true bill of indictment) refers to a decision to indict a criminal defendant by a Grand Jury.
First appearance
–Defendant appears before magistrate and informed of charges
–Opportunity to request counsel
–Preliminary hearing (if needed) scheduled
Complaint
- Fed.R.Crim.P. 3: “written statement of essential facts”
–Filed by federal investigators
–Evidence does not need to be presented in the complaint
Information
Government attorney files a summary of facts and evidence supporting the
charge
preliminary hearing
held to hear evidence supporting the Information
-Purpose is to prove that there is probable cause to support charges
-Defendant may cross-examine witnesses, but may not present evidence
-If probable cause is found, case will move forward
Grand Jury Indictment
- Grand jury decision that charges are supported by sufficient evidence
- Prosecutor presents evidence to grand jury in closed proceedings
- Proceedings not open to public (secret)
- Defendant does not attend proceedings
- If grand jury returns decision of “true bill,” indictment is issued charging defendant with crime
during arraignment, defendant can plead…
- guilty: same as conviction; defendant is scheduled for sentencing
- Not guilty: case is scheduled for trial
- Nolo contendere (no contest): same as guilty plea (Cannot be used as evidence of liability in civil trial)
Arraignment
- Once charges are brought, arraignment is held before federal judge
- Defendant is asked to plead
alfred plea
registers a formal admission of guilt towards charges in criminal court while the defendant simultaneously expresses their innocence toward those same charges. defendant admits that there is enough evidence to likely convict them, but they do not admit to the crime itself.
Opening Statement
- Statement by parties to jury at beginning of trial
- Provides roadmap for evidence jury will hear
- May include only admissible evidence that will be presented at trial
- Evidence is presented in light most favorable to presenting party
- Prosecutor presents opening statement first
- Defendant can defer opening statement until close of prosecutor’s case
Jurors are selected in a process called
“voir dire” (to speak the truth)
Prosecutor, defense counsel and judge question jurors to determine fitness to serve.