Opinion ID: 2108883
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Bello as a Witness

Text: Defendants argue that the State should not have been permitted to use Bello as a witness. The contention is based on several factors. First, Bello was unreliable. He had made seven sworn statements, some of which were inconsistent with each other, he had committed other crimes, and he had received promises of favorable treatment from the State. Second, the prosecutors had Bello's version of events. The argument is without merit. Evidence Rule 7 provides that every person is qualified to be a witness except as otherwise provided in the Rules or by other law of this State. The declared policy is that generally everyone is qualified to be a witness and give relevant evidence. German v. Matriss, 55 N.J. 193, 216 (1970). Witness disqualification is an exception. State v. Briley, 53 N.J. 498, 506 (1969). In the absence of a specific rule of exclusion, a witness should be permitted to testify. Cf. State in Interest of R.R., Jr., 79 N.J. 97 (1979) (age per se does not render a proposed witness incompetent; rather, under Evid. R. 17, a court should decide whether a person is incapable of expressing himself or understanding the duty to tell the truth). Defendants do not point to Bello's conviction of any crimes, but even convictions would not preclude the State from presenting him as a witness. See State v. Fox, 12 N.J. Super. 132, 139 (App.Div. 1951). Moreover, promises from the State and inconsistent statements were properly matters for the jury's consideration. Lastly, the prosecution had acted in good faith to verify before trial Bello's expected testimony. As discussed supra, at 118-119 there was substantial verification of much of Bello's version. The extent to which his testimony was to be believed was for the jury.