Opinion ID: 2325676
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: exclusion of coast guard records

Text: Valentine attempted to introduce Coast Guard records from his personnel file to establish that his conduct on board ship had been exemplary. The records contained conduct ratings given every six months. Valentine had received perfect 4-0 ratings which indicated he had no disciplinary problems while in the Coast Guard. The trial court permitted Coast Guard Commander Haines to testify that he never personally observed Valentine lose his temper and that Valentine had a reputation on board ship for keeping his temper. The witness was not allowed, however, to testify as to the contents of Valentine's personnel file. On appeal, Valentine relies upon 17-A M.R.S.A. § 203(2)(B) (Supp.1980) to contend that the Coast Guard records were relevant to show his lack of any tendency toward extreme anger. [4] In view of the manslaughter verdict, any error generated by the exclusion of evidence on that issue would, of necessity, be harmless. Since we find no merit in Valentine's arguments we must affirm his conviction of manslaughter. The entry is: Judgment affirmed. All concurring.