Opinion ID: 1998324
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: issue ii: did the trial court err in limiting defendant's request for names and addresses of all physicians or counselors with whom victim may have consulted?

Text: Evidentiary rulings by the trial court are reviewed under the abuse of discretion standard. Larson v. Kreiser's, Inc., 472 N.W.2d 761, 764 (S.D.1991); State v. Woodfork, 454 N.W.2d 332, 335 (S.D.1990); State v. Seiler, 397 N.W.2d 89, 91 (S.D.1986). Under this standard, the trial court's determination will not be overruled unless a judicial mind, considering the law and the facts, could not have reached a similar decision. Dart v. Berghorst, 484 N.W.2d 891, 894 (S.D. 1992); State v. Pfaff, 456 N.W.2d 558, 561 (S.D.1990). An abuse of discretion refers to a discretion exercised to an end or purpose not justified by, and clearly against, reason and evidence. Larson, 472 N.W.2d at 764; State v. Bartlett, 411 N.W.2d 411, 414 (S.D. 1987). Prior to trial, Erickson filed a motion for discovery of names and addresses of all physicians or counselors with whom the victim may have spoken about the alleged sexual conduct. The State claimed it had no knowledge of any such persons or consultations. The trial court ordered the State to provide Erickson with copies of any counselors' reports the State had obtained or may subsequently obtain. The trial court also ordered the State to provide defendant with any releases of information signed by the victim. The court noted specifically that it would not go beyond this order, stating that the victim had a right to consult with counselors and/or physicians in private. Erickson argued, without himself knowing whether such material or information existed, that the prosecution should have been ordered to make inquiry of the victim or her mother regarding any counseling the victim may have received. Erickson contends on appeal the court's ruling on his motion violated SDCL 23A-13-4 and his constitutional due process rights under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963) and California v. Trombetta, 467 U.S. 479, 104 S.Ct. 2528, 81 L.Ed.2d 413 (1984). Trombetta concerns preservation of evidence in the State's possession. Brady applies only where the prosecution has suppressed evidence. Moore v. Illinois, 408 U.S. 786, 794, 92 S.Ct. 2562, 2567-68, 33 L.Ed.2d 706 (1972). Neither Brady nor Trombetta are applicable here. There is no evidence in the present case that the prosecution ever had the information requested by Erickson. Erickson himself did not know whether such information existed. Consequently, the prosecution could not suppress this evidence. Further, while the State cannot suppress evidence favorable to [a defendant, it is not] the state's duty to conduct a discovery examination for a defendant. State v. Chacon, 50 Wis.2d 73, 183 N.W.2d 84, 86 (1971).  Brady does not impose on the prosecution a general duty to help the defense find witnesses who might be favorable to the defendant. U.S. v. Gonzalez, 466 F.2d 1286, 1288 (5th Cir.1972). See also U.S. v. Callahan, 300 F.Supp. 519, 525 (S.D.N.Y.1969).  Brady clearly does not impose an affirmative duty upon the government to take action to discover information which it does not possess. U.S. v. Beaver, 524 F.2d 963, 966 (5th Cir.1975), cert. denied, 425 U.S. 905, 96 S.Ct. 1498, 47 L.Ed.2d 756. In State v. Wade, 83 S.D. 337, 343, 159 N.W.2d 396, 400 (1968), this court affirmed a trial court's denial of discovery request in a criminal case stating: [a] general hunting or fishing license should not ordinarily be granted and the time, place, and manner of making the inspection permitted or discovery allowed should be specified. It should ordinarily be confined to relevant, tangible or written evidential matters and should be denied whenever (1) there is danger or likelihood of witnesses being coerced, intimidated, or bribed; (2) the State may be unduly hampered in its investigation, preparation, and trial of defendant's case or of other related criminal cases; or (3) other evil or danger to the public interest may result from inspection or disclosure. Id. South Dakota recognizes the abuse of discretion standard in reviewing trial court rulings on evidentiary matters. `An accused's application for inspection or disclosure is a matter addressed to the sound discretion of the trial court which may be granted as an aid to the ascertainment of the truth or as a matter of fundamental fairness.' State v. Sickler, 488 N.W.2d 70, 72 (S.D.1992) (quoting Wade, 159 N.W.2d at 400). [T]he extent of discovery permitted by either side rests in the discretion of the court. State v. Catch the Bear, 352 N.W.2d 640, 644 (S.D.1984); State v. Means, 268 N.W.2d 802, 815 (S.D. 1978); Wade, 159 N.W.2d at 400. The Supreme Court of Nebraska also recently noted that unless granted as a matter of right under the Constitution or other law, discovery is within the discretion of the trial court, whose ruling will be upheld on appeal unless the trial court has abused its discretion. State v. Phelps, 241 Neb. 707, 490 N.W.2d 676, 692 (1992). Here, the trial court exhibited both concern for the victim's private right of access to counselors and for fundamental fairness to the State and the defendant in requiring production of all counselors' reports and signed releases obtained by the State. Of its own volition, the trial court issued a continuing discovery order following defendant's indictment which included discovery of matters under SDCL 23A-13-4, upon which defendant relies in this appeal. There is no evidence this order was violated. We affirm the trial court on this issue.