Opinion ID: 2009012
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Were the examination results used in obtaining the statement?

Text: ¶ 71 There is no question that the results of the examination were used to obtain Davis's statement. The majority maintains that so long as the examination and interview are two totally discrete events, letting the defendant know that he or she did not pass the examination . . . does not negate that the examination and post-examination interview are . . . totally discrete events. Majority op., ¶33. However, the use of examination results is a factor to consider in determining whether there are two discrete events. Discounting the factor on the ground that there are two discrete events just begs the question. ¶ 72 The majority also maintains that at no time during the interview did Detective Swanson relate back to or rely on the voice stress evaluation or its results. Id. The reason is that Swanson did nothing but ask Davis to recite the statement that Buenning had elicited from Davis a few minutes prior. ¶ 73 The factors cited by the majority therefore indicate that there were not two totally discrete events. Whether Davis was told the exam was over is unclear; there was essentially no time breaking up the events involved; both officers were involved in the process and Buenning performed most of the interviewing; the two rooms were each used for both the examination and the interview; and the examination results were used during the interview to elicit Davis's statement.