Opinion ID: 2570148
Heading Depth: 6
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: The Court's Ruling on Dr. Gaughan's Testimony

Text: After the defense witnesses completed their testimony, the prosecutor asked the court to reconsider its ruling on the Gaughan report. He had scheduled Dr. Gaughan to testify, but was concerned that the limitations the court had placed on the use of the report had so watered down the evidence that it might be preferable to not present it to the jury at all. He argued that the defense witnesses, particularly Gershom Salisbury, had testified so broadly regarding defendant's good character that all the matters in the Gaughan report should be admitted. Defense counsel argued that Salisbury's statement of his personal feelings did not justify bringing in the matters in the Gaughan report, of which Salisbury was unaware. The court said it was not inclined to alter its ruling based on Salisbury's testimony. However, it noted that Leland Loker's testimony that defendant was upset over killing a cat, and another witness's testimony that he was upset when someone shot a dog, had placed in issue defendant's feelings on issues of violence and taking human life. Nevertheless, the court was concerned the jury would be unable to confine Dr. Gaughan's testimony to considerations of character and mental state, without also improperly considering it as aggravating evidence of violent acts. The court noted that Tim Daulton, another defense witness, had described defendant's statements about the charged offenses. It decided the prosecutor could respond by questioning Dr. Gaughan about defendant's statements discussing his mental state during the crimes. The court also ruled that defendant's reference to going to Los Angeles and hunting for a rape victim would be admissible. Otherwise, it adhered to its previous ruling. The next day, the prosecutor informed the court that all the really good stuff which would really balance the picture is not permitted. And therefore in balance, as a tactical decision, I've decided not to call Dr. Gaughan. Defendant, while he complains that the omission of the Gaughan report from evidence left the jury to speculate about its contents, does not raise any claim of error regarding the court's rulings limiting the scope of Dr. Gaughan's testimony.