Opinion ID: 852583
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Standard for Claims of Newly Discovered Evidence

Text: The familiar standard for determining whether new evidence mandates a new trial requires that (1) the evidence has been discovered since the trial; (2) it is material and relevant; (3) it is not cumulative; (4) it is not merely impeaching; (5) it is not privileged or incompetent; (6) due diligence was used to discover it in time for trial; (7) the evidence is worthy of credit; (8) it can be produced upon a retrial of the case; and (9) it will probably produce a different result at retrial. See, e.g., Carter v. State, 738 N.E.2d 665, 671 (Ind.2000). Applying this frequently cited nine-factor test, the post-conviction review court determined that [t]he newly discovered evidence offered by Stephenson is largely cumulative, is not worthy of credit, and probably would not produce a different result at a retrial of this case. This finding was entered on May 12, 2003. Stephenson contends that this nine-factor test is no longer appropriate in a death penalty case after the addition of subsection (k) to Indiana's death penalty statute. That subsection, Indiana Code section 35-50-2-9(k), became effective on July 1, 2003. It provides: A person who has been sentenced to death and who has completed state post-conviction review proceedings may file a written petition with the supreme court seeking to present new evidence challenging the person's guilt or the appropriateness of the death sentence if the person serves notice on the attorney general. The supreme court shall determine, with or without a hearing, whether the person has presented previously undiscovered evidence that undermines confidence in the conviction or the death sentence. If necessary, the supreme court may remand the case to the trial court for an evidentiary hearing to consider the new evidence and its effect on the person's conviction and death sentence. The supreme court may not make a determination in the person's favor nor make a decision to remand the case to the trial court for an evidentiary hearing without first providing the attorney general with an opportunity to be heard on the matter.