Opinion ID: 1997619
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Testimony Regarding the Significance of Pressman's Research Was Properly Admitted

Text: Halle Krider, Ph.D., testified that Pressman's progress report indicated significant scientific accomplishments which could further protect the blood supply from the HIV virus. DuPont argues that this testimony was irrelevant and prejudicial. Since a new trial will be ordered, in the interests of judicial economy, we express our view that the trial court's exercise of its discretion to admit the evidence was not an abuse of that discretion. The testimony was relevant to show that Pensak kept from line management an important and helpful report regarding Pressman. Pressman can claim that Pensak pursued a vindictive campaign of malicious retaliation, and Krider's testimony is relevant to explain the context and significance of Pensak's actions. Accordingly, the evidence is admissible as tending to support the claim of deceit or misrepresentation in manufacturing a false and unbalanced picture of Pressman's employment performance.