Opinion ID: 519270
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: cross examination of expert witness.

Text: 44 During appellee's counsel's cross-examination of appellants' expert rehabilitation witness, David Kutchback, counsel inquired about a letter written by Mr. Kutchback to Mr. Nelson, appellants' workers' compensation lawyer. Appellants' lawyer objected to this cross-examination on the basis of hearsay. Appellee's counsel maintained that he was questioning appellants' expert in regard to what appellants' attorney, Mr. Nelson, stated to the expert. Mr. Nelson's statements are admissions by a party opponent and are clearly admissible pursuant to Federal Rule of Evidence 801(d)(2)(D). 9 45 The standard of review in regard to the district court's evidentiary rulings require a finding that there has been a clear abuse of discretion. Adams v. Fuqua Industries Inc., 820 F.2d 271, 273 (8th Cir.1987). Here, if the district court had sustained appellants' objection, it would have been a clear abuse of discretion requiring reversal. Mahlandt v. Wild Canid Survival and Research Center, Inc., 588 F.2d 626 (8th Cir.1978). See also, Russell v. United Parcel Service, 666 F.2d 1188 (8th Cir.1981); U.S. v. Margiotta, 662 F.2d 131 (2d Cir.1981). 46 Second, cross-examination of Mr. Kutchback with the letter was proper for impeachment purposes. At the time appellant objected to cross-examination of Mr. Kutchback upon the letter on the basis of hearsay, counsel for appellee stated that such testimony went to the witness's credibility. 10 The cross-examination as to Mr. Kutchback's prior opinions and the consequences thereof are clearly relevant to show credibility and/or bias. 47