In 6-3 opinion that could have wider implications in criminal cases, the Supreme Court ruled expert witnesses can testify that most drug couriers caught at Mexican border know they’re transpo…
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a split opinion Thursday in a case originating out of San Diego, ruling that expert witnesses can continue to tell jurors that most drug couriers caught at the U.S.-Mexico border know they’re transporting drugs, even when the defendants argue they were unwitting “blind mules.
San Diego defense attorney Danielle Iredale, who first represented Diaz and raised the issue at trial, predicted in March after thethat the decision would involve “strange bedfellows” and be close. “I don’t think the split is necessarily going to be along the typical ideological lines,” Iredale predicted after attending the oral arguments in person.
The government has acknowledged that Mexican drug-smuggling groups sometimes use the vehicles of unwitting victims — such as students or workers who cross the border at routine and predictable times — but maintains that such cases are rare.
The rule at the heart of the case states in part that “an expert witness must not state an opinion” about a defendant’s state of mind. Congress amended the rule to its current form through the Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984 in response to the acquittal of President Ronald Reagan’s would-be assassin, John Hinckley Jr. A jury found Hinckley not guilty by reason of insanity after hearing conflicting testimony about whether he met the legal standard for insanity.
Wrote Gorsuch: “Prosecutors can now put an expert on the stand — someone who apparently has the convenient ability to read minds — and let him hold forth on what ‘most’ people like the defendant think when they commit a legally proscribed act. Then, the government need do no more than urge the jury to find that the defendant is like ‘most’ people and convict.
Gorsuch went on to write that “the problem of junk science in the courtroom is real and well documented … And perhaps no ‘science’ is more junky than mental telepathy.”
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Things to do this weekend: San Diego Beer Weekend, San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival and moreA list of things to do this weekend in San Diego County, from Chula Vista to Oceanside.
Les mer »
KEN KRAMER'S ABOUT SAN DIEGO: San Diego Zoo Exhibit, Rock Castle & TurkeysThursday, June 20, 2024 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS App + Encores Sunday, June 23 at 4 p.m. on KPBS TV and Monday, June 24 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2.
Les mer »
San Diego City Council rejects Power San Diego’s ballot measureSan Diego voters will not decide whether to replace San Diego Gas and Electric with a nonprofit municipal electric utility this November. In other news, we have a recap on the State of North County address. Plus, we learn about a summer enrichment program for more than 24,000 students in the San Diego Unified School District.
Les mer »
San Diego City Council keeps Power San Diego initiative off ballotThe initiative would have asked voters whether to replace San Diego Gas & Electric with a nonprofit, municipal electric utility.
Les mer »
Supreme Court rules in favor of San Antonio-area woman suing Castle Hills for retaliationA woman who sued the City of Castle Hills for alleged political retaliation has scored a victory in the U.S. Supreme Court. On Thursday, justices ruled that the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which had previously swatted down the suit, misinterpreted case law.
Les mer »
Don Diego VFW building tank float for the San Diego Pride ParadeAaron enjoys helping improve people’s quality of life through his storytelling and promoting a healthy lifestyle. He also loves competing in Crossfit.
Les mer »