Opinion ID: 2426456
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: TapesProper Predicate

Text: Judge Bates next contends that a proper predicate such as required in Cummings v. Jess Edwards, 445 S.W.2d 767, 773 (Tex.Civ.App.Corpus Christi, 1969 err. ref'd n. r. e.), was not established for the admission of the tapes. Judge Bates did not, however, complain of any specific omissions in the predicate; and specific objections are required. Drake v. State, 488 S.W.2d 534 (Tex.Civ.App.Dallas, 1972, ref'd n. r. e.). In Drake v. State , a disciplinary proceeding resulting in the disbarment of an attorney, similar contentions regarding proper foundation were raised; and the court indicated that specific objections, not general objections, to proper predicate are required. The court in Drake, supra, further stated that the admissibility of evidence rests largely within the discretion of the court. [10] Nukie Fontenot identified the equipment employed in making the tapes. One of the recorders, a cassette recorder, was present in the court room and used before the Master to play and record these tapes. Fontenot also used a reel-to-reel recorder set-up in his office. Fontenot gave testimony regarding the circumstances surrounding the making of each tape. He testified that he sold such equipment and was quite familiar with its use. He identified the voices on each tape, and he testified as to the authenticity of each tape and to his consent. The chain of custody of the tapes was established by testimony from Fontenot and Detective Don Baker, in whose possession they remained from the time of making until the hearing. Fontenot listened to the tapes after he made them; he also listened to them at Special Crimes Division the week before the hearing. Judge Bates had been in possession of copies of these tapes prior to the hearing. A proper predicate has been established.