Opinion ID: 583985
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Evidence must be material

Text: 44 A new trial will not be granted if the evidence offered is merely impeaching or cumulative; it must be material. 22 Even the statement by Mr. Khabbas that he actually set the fire would not overcome the substantial evidence of Mr. Kamel's involvement in the arson and insurance fraud for which he was convicted--including changing the amount of insurance coverage, emptying the store of its inventory, and making arrangements for a lease on another store location, and then covering up all these facts as well as the many facts pointing to his brother's responsibility for the fire. However, we recognize that Mr. Khabbas' and Mr. Samad's version of the facts--and particularly a statement expressly exonerating Mr. Kamel--would be relevant and material, rather than merely peripheral to an understanding of the crime. 23 Mr. Khabbas' confession, coupled with the purported statement of his brother's ignorance of the starting of the blaze, might have diminished Mr. Kamel's culpability in the eyes of the jury--if it were believed, a matter to which we turn next.