Opinion ID: 2185352
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: whether the trial court erred in denying christopherson's motion for a psychiatric examination of d.d.

Text: Christopherson simultaneously filed nine separate pretrial motions. In one pretrial motion he requested an order directing D.D. to undergo a psychiatric examination. At the same time he filed a separate motion requesting access to D.D.'s juvenile record. The trial court reviewed D.D.'s juvenile record and then denied Christopherson access to it. The trial court noted that the motion to examine the juvenile record was predicated on use of the record in cross-examination of D.D. The trial court noted that only felony convictions could be used for that purpose. Christopherson's counsel agreed but also argued the information was necessary for Christopherson to make a showing to justify his motion for a psychiatric examination of D.D. State resisted Christopherson's efforts and described them as a fishing expedition. The trial court had previously reviewed D.D.'s juvenile record and so denied the motion to examine it. The trial court specifically stated that after its review of the juvenile record: The court does not find that there is any relevant information that could be gleaned. On appeal, Christopherson asserts that the trial court erred in denying him an opportunity to review D.D.'s juvenile record. Christopherson argues that the trial court should have held an in camera examination of the juvenile record as set forth in Pennsylvania v. Ritchie, 480 U.S. 39, 107 S.Ct. 989, 94 L.Ed.2d 40 (1987). From our review of the record it is clear that the trial court did perform a Ritchie type in camera review of D.D.'s juvenile record. After the motion hearing the trial court sent a letter to legal counsel explaining his decision on this issue. In that letter the trial judge briefly outlined the contents of D.D.'s juvenile record and concluded that: the court does not believe these offenses are relevant to the current offense, nor are they relevant or admissible for impeachment purposes. After denying Christopherson direct access to the juvenile record the trial court went on to consider Christopherson's motion for a psychiatric examination of D.D. Christopherson based this motion solely on the contents of D.D.'s juvenile record. Christopherson provided no other showing of need or justification. The trial court denied the motion for a psychiatric examination. It is within the discretion of the trial court to order a psychiatric examination of the alleged victim in a sexual offense case. State v. Blalack, 434 N.W.2d 55 (S.D.1988); State v. Reiman, 284 N.W.2d 860 (S.D.1979). The situation is sensitive and the trial court should only order a psychiatric examination after a substantial showing of need and justification. Blalack, 434 N.W.2d at 60. The trial court was aware of the contents of the juvenile record and still determined that Christopherson had not met his burden. The trial court did not abuse its discretion when it denied the motion for a psychiatric examination of D.D. Affirmed. WUEST, J., concurs. HENDERSON, J., concurs specially. SABERS and AMUNDSON, JJ., dissent.