Opinion ID: 1685369
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Admission of McMorris Evidence

Text: [33, 34] ¶ 126. In a case in which a defendant asserts self-defense and wishes to present McMorris evidence, the court must determine whether the defendant has sufficiently placed self-defense into issue. McMorris, 58 Wis. 2d at 152. If the court determines that the defendant has presented a sufficient factual basis for a claim of self-defense, it must determine whether to admit any or all of the proffered McMorris evidence. Id. [35] ¶ 127. Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is generally irrelevant and inadmissible in criminal actions: (2) OTHER CRIMES, WRONGS, OR ACTS. Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order to show that the person acted in conformity therewith. This subsection does not exclude the evidence when offered for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. Wis. Stat. § 904.04(2). However, when a defendant sufficiently raises the issue of self-defense in a trial for homicide or assault, such evidence may be relevant and admissible. [36] ¶ 128. Admissibility is not automatic. As a general rule, McMorris evidence may not be used to support an inference about the victim's actual conduct during the incident. Werner v. State, 66 Wis. 2d 736, 743, 226 N.W.2d 402 (1975). [T]he testimony relates to the defendant's state of mind, showing what [her] beliefs were concerning the victim's character. Such evidence helps the jury determine whether the defendant acted as a reasonably prudent person would under similar beliefs and circumstances in the exercise of the privilege of self-defense [if the defense theory is perfect self-defense]. Id. It may be admitted because it bear[s] on the reasonableness of the defendant's apprehension of danger at the time of the incident. McMorris, 58 Wis. 2d at 149. [37, 38] ¶ 129. The admission of McMorris evidence implicates the exercise of sound and reasonable discretion by the circuit court. Id. at 152. The evidence should be probative of the defendant's beliefs in relation to her defense. If the court determines that the evidence is relevant, the court should admit it as it would any other relevant evidence, excluding it only if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. Wis. Stat. § 904.03.