Law Commons^™

Evidence - Character Testimony - Impeachment Through Reference To Prior Specific Acts Of Defendant, Lawrence E. Blades S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Defendant, on trial for arson, presented a character witness who testified that defendant's reputation in the community was good. During cross-examination the prosecutor asked if the witness had heard that defendant had been arrested for or convicted of various specific crimes in other states. No objection was made by the defense, and the trial judge took no action. The witness answered no to each question, and subsequently a jury verdict of guilty was returned. On appeal, held, reversed and remanded, three judges dissenting. Failure of the trial judge, before allowing such cross-examination, to ascertain on his own motion and …