Opinion ID: 853568
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Bolstering Credibility

Text: The defendant claims that the State improperly bolstered Shepard's credibility on several occasions by using Shepard's prior consistent statements on direct examination even though Shepard had not been impeached. He argues that these statements were hearsay and did not fall within the exception of Indiana Evidence Rule 801(d)(1)(B). The defendant acknowledges that at trial he did not object to the admission of this bolstering evidence and that generally such a claim would be forfeited, but nevertheless he urges that it should be reviewed in this case as fundamental error. To rise to the level of fundamental error, the error `must constitute a blatant violation of basic principles, the harm or potential for harm must be substantial, and the resulting error must deny the defendant fundamental due process.' Etienne v. State, 716 N.E.2d 457, 462 (Ind.1999) (quoting Wilson v. State, 514 N.E.2d 282, 284 (Ind.1987)). See also Barany v. State, 658 N.E.2d 60, 64 (Ind. 1995) (defining fundamental error as error so prejudicial to the rights of the defendant as to make a fair trial impossible). This is not fundamental error.