Opinion ID: 1655090
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Whether the State failed to disclose the opinions of Dr. Stanley.

Text: ¶ 33. Woodward argues that, to the extent that Dr. Stanley's testimony was based on anything other than Dr. Thurman's testimony at trial, it was more than rebuttal and should have been disclosed to the defense prior to trial. Woodward again contends that Dr. Stanley had a duty to write a report and that report should have been given to the defense prior to trial. Woodward asserts that, although the defense counsel were given a brief opportunity to interview Dr. Stanley just before he testified, that the interview was not sufficient to allow the defense to formulate a proper response and prejudiced the defense. Woodward argues that URCCC 9.04(A)(4) required the prosecution to disclose a report of Dr. Stanley, prior to trial. Woodward contends that this violation unfairly impeded his attempts to persuade the jury to grant him mitigating factors. ¶ 34. The State contends that Woodward's claim that the prosecution committed a fatal discovery violation requiring the vacation of his death sentence is without merit. This Court agrees. URCCC 9.04(A)(4) states, A. Subject to the exceptions of subsection B, below, the prosecution must disclose to each defendant or to defendant's attorney, and permit the defendant or defendant's attorney to inspect, copy, test, and photograph upon written request and without the necessity of court order the following which is in the possession, custody, or control of the State, the existence of which is known or by the exercise of due diligence may become known to the prosecution: 4. Any reports, statements, or opinions of experts, written, recorded or otherwise preserved, made in connection with the particular case and the substance of any oral statement made by any such expert; The prosecution did not have a duty to produce a written report, which did not exist, so long as the substance of any oral statements were furnished. Woodward was not surprised by Dr. Stanley's testimony and cannot claim prejudice. Dr. Stanley testified during Woodward's first trial, and Woodward had the transcript of that testimony. Additionally, Dr. Stanley's testimony did not go beyond the scope of rebuttal. This issue is without merit.