Opinion ID: 2551468
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Psychiatric and Neurological Examinations

Text: Defendant's motion to compel the psychiatric and neurological examinations was based on state law, in particular Evidence Code section 730, which provides in relevant part that the trial court, if it thinks an expert evaluation is required, may appoint one or more experts to investigate ... the fact or matter as to which the expert evidence is or may be required. His appeal is also based on state law grounds. At trial, he argued that such tests were justified in order to ascertain whether Castillo was competent to testify. Whether his testimony is the result of his own genuine memory or the result of pressures and suggestions that were brought to bear upon him at a time when he was injured, in a `fog,' and chemically dependent must be resolved ... prior to his testimony. Defendant made clear that he wanted to use any adverse test results for impeachment. The trial court denied the motion without comment. There was no error. Evidence Code section 700 provides: Except as otherwise provided by statute, every person, irrespective of age, is qualified to be a witness and no person is disqualified to testify to any matter. Subdivision (a) of section 701 of the Evidence Code provides in turn: A person is disqualified to be a witness if he or she is: [¶] (1) Incapable of expressing himself or herself concerning the matter so as to be understood, either directly or through interpretation by one who can understand him [or her]; or [¶] (2) Incapable of understanding the duty of a witness to tell the truth. Defendant bore the burden of showing Castillo's incompetence. ( People v. Cudjo (1993) 6 Cal.4th 585, 621-622, 25 Cal.Rptr.2d 390, 863 P.2d 635.) He failed to meet that burden. The trial court could even have ruled after Castillo's direct examination. (Evid.Code, § 701, subd. (b).) By that time, however, it was apparently evident that he was competent to testify. The court did not err in denying defendant's motion for psychological and neurological examinations.