Opinion ID: 1701952
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: We consider first the objection to the reception of certain evidence.

Text: Doris states the court erroneously considered reports and staff evaluations from various social agencies containing hearsay when the makers of the reports were not available for cross-examination. She also objects that the testimony of Mrs. Dell, a social worker, taken subject to objection, was improperly received. In equity cases objections to testimony are ordinarily not ruled on, and all evidence is received subject to the objections so that the entire record may be available to the reviewing court on appeal. In re the Marriage of Erickson, 228 N.W.2d 57, 59 (Iowa 1975). As to the merits of the objections, we believe the matter is controlled by the following portion of § 232.46, The Code, 1973:    Relevant and material information of any nature including that contained in reports, studies or examinations, may be admitted and relied upon to the extent of its probative value. When information contained in a report, study, or examination is admitted in evidence, the person making such report, study or examination shall be subject to both direct and cross-examination when reasonably available. This statute justifies the admission of the reports and evaluations in question. Doris claims she was not afforded an opportunity to cross-examine the persons responsible for them. Before she can avail of this argument, she must show an unsuccessful effort to secure the attendance of the desired witnesses and a timely request to the court that they be produced. No such showing was made. In the Interest of Delaney, 185 N.W.2d 726, 732, 733 (Iowa 1971); In the Interest of Meyer, 204 N.W.2d 625, 627 (Iowa 1973). Doris also objects because the reports contain much information of no probative value. We agree this is true, but the statute permits the use of such reports to the extent of [their] probative value. In the Interest of Delaney, supra, 185 N.W.2d at 732; In Re Yardley, et al., 260 Iowa 259, 266, 149 N.W.2d 162, 167 (1967); Harter v. State, 260 Iowa 605, 609, 610, 149 N.W.2d 827, 829, 834 (1967). Even disregarding the evidence having no probative effect, which we have done, there is ample testimony to support the conclusions reached. With reference to the testimony of Mrs. Dell, Doris objects, first, because she was permitted to express an opinion concerning the advisability of placing Jeremy in the home with Doris and her family; and, second, she says Mrs. Dell gave prejudicial hearsay testimony regarding the conduct of Doris' brother, David. We agree the testimony concerning David was hearsay and was of minimal, if any, probative value. We have disregarded it. See In the Interest of Osborn, 220 N.W.2d 632, 634 (Iowa 1974). We believe Mrs. Dell was properly allowed to express her opinion concerning where Jeremy should live. The objection raised goes to the credibility, rather than the admissibility, of the testimony.