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The Chorus Of Liars: Opsahl V. State Of Minnesota, David T. Schultz
The Chorus Of Liars: Opsahl V. State Of Minnesota, David T. Schultz
William Mitchell Law Review
A recanting witness is a liar. Either he lied at trial or he is lying now. When the recanting witness’s new story is joined by others, so that his solo is now a chorus, the judicial system must find the delicate balance between fairness to society and protection of the individual defendant’s rights. When the case is old and the recanting witnesses many, the difficulty of finding that balance is even greater. Such were the circumstances facing the Minnesota Supreme Court when, in 2004, it heard the case of Darby Opsahl, a man convicted in 1992 of a murder that …
Crawford V. Washington: A Small Advantage For Criminal Defense In Cases Where Prosecution Seeks To Introduce Hearsay Evidence, Jason W. Eldridge
Crawford V. Washington: A Small Advantage For Criminal Defense In Cases Where Prosecution Seeks To Introduce Hearsay Evidence, Jason W. Eldridge
William Mitchell Law Review
This article will examine the Crawford holding and its effects on hearsay law in criminal trials in Minnesota. First, it will attempt to explain the Crawford holding and the Supreme Court’s analysis. Next, it will examine Crawford’s general effect on the Minnesota Rules of Evidence concerning hearsay. Then, this article will consider Crawford’s effect upon criminal cases and some of the arguments it presents for criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors. Finally, this article will conclude that the Crawford decision is a small boon for criminal defense attorneys.