Law Commons^™

The Death Of Discretion: Prior Felony Convictions Automatically Admissible In Civil Actions - Green V. Bock Laundry Machine Co., Kimberly S. Smith

Campbell Law Review

This Note has four objectives. First, the Note examines the facts presented to the Green Court. Second, the Note surveys Rule 609's history and the divergent pre-Green views regarding Rule 609's application in the civil arena. Third, the Note examines Green's analysis and the Supreme Court's conclusion that Rule 609 forecloses any judicial discretion in admitting or excluding prior convictions evidence. And, finally, the Note concludes that North Carolina's Rule 609 should also be interpreted as requiring trial judges to admit prior convictions evidence regardless of unfair prejudice.