Opinion ID: 2070042
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Exclusion of Psychiatric Testimony Relating to Intent.

Text: Appellant argues that the trial court denied him due process by refusing to allow an expert to present psychiatric testimony relating to premeditation and intent. Appellant specifically argues that the United States Supreme Court case of Washington v. Texas, 388 U.S. 14, 87 S.Ct. 1920, 18 L.Ed.2d 1019 (1967), prohibits the court from allowing the state to present expert witness testimony on issues while barring appellant from presenting expert testimony. Appellant cites to State v. Hitch, 356 N.W.2d 820 (Minn.App.1984), which upheld a trial court ruling allowing an expert to testify in a criminal sexual conduct trial as to complainant's ability to appraise the nature of her conduct. Appellant asserts that because the state was able to present an expert in Hitch, he should have been permitted to present experts to testify as to intent and premeditation. His argument is without merit. In Hitch, the issue was whether complainant was capable of understanding her conduct; it did not involve the distinct, separate issues of premeditation and intent, as in the present case. The issue of complainant's capacity in Hitch is more analogous to the issue of sanity, where expert testimony is relevant. This court explained the distinction in State v. Bouwman, 328 N.W.2d at 705: [I]t is essential that we differentiate between intent as a fact issue from the question of the mental capacity of the defendant.    [J]urors, relying on their sensory perceptions, experiences in life, and their common sense, consider the manifestations of the defendant's conduct and determine if the defendant formed the specific intent to do what he did. The defendant has the right to offer evidence which disputes the physical facts upon which the inference of the fact of intent is sought to be established by the prosecution. However, psychiatric evidence is of no value at this part of the trial since it does not relate to the physical evidence upon which the jury is to determine the issue of intent.    When, however, the insanity defense is asserted, the inquiry shifts to a different dimension.    On this issue of capacity, expert psychiatric testimony has probative value. We hold that the trial court properly rejected appellant's request to have psychiatric testimony admitted on the issues of intent and premeditation, and that appellant was not denied due process.