Opinion ID: 1060903
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: multiple examinations

Text: In addition to the Martin issues, the defendant challenges the number and nature of the trial court's orders compelling the mental examination. He contends that Rule 12.2(c) limits the prosecution to a single examination, regardless of whether the examination yields a particular conclusion or result. [5] The record shows that the trial court initially ordered a mental examination to be conducted by Dr. Tennison of the McNabb Mental Health Center. After conducting a two-hour interview with Huskey, Dr. Tennison told the trial court that he could not complete an examination without more information and additional expert assistance. After additional hearings, the trial court, on May 9, 1996, ordered Huskey to be examined by Tennison and Dr. Phillip Coons. When this examination never took place, because of the refusal by the defense, additional hearings culminated in the August 12th superseding order that required Huskey to be examined by Dr. Tennison and experts at MTMHI. The superseding order contained numerous safeguards: officials were ordered to determine only Huskey's mental responsibility at the time of the offense; all clinical interviews with Huskey were to be recorded; requests by MTMHI for information were subject to the attorney-client or other applicable privileges; and the defense was to receive a copy of the examination results and a period of time in which to determine whether it would proceed with its mental condition defense prior to disclosure of any material to the prosecution. While Huskey consented to the examination pursuant to this order, the examination once again could not be completed. Tennison and Dr. Craddock of MTMHI informed the trial court that additional expert assistance was needed to complete the examination. The trial court then ordered that Huskey was to be examined by Dr. Kluft. This examination took place as ordered, and Kluft rendered his findings and opinions. We do not interpret Tenn. R.Crim. P. 12.2(c) so narrowly as to allow only a single interview. See Martin, 950 S.W.2d at 21; see also State v. Lovelace, 191 Conn. 545, 469 A.2d 391 (1983), cert. denied, 465 U.S. 1107, 104 S.Ct. 1613, 80 L.Ed.2d 142 (1984)(discretionary with trial court). The record reflects that Dr. Tennison was unable to complete the examination and candidly informed the trial court that he needed additional assistance. Dr. Craddock of MTMHI also was unable to complete an examination and requested assistance. Dr. Kluft, an expert in disassociative identity disorder, was located and was able to complete the examination. Accordingly, the trial court monitored the proceedings, carefully considered the expert testimony, and, based on the evidence, ensured that the defendant was subjected to a complete examination. We conclude there was no abuse of the trial court's discretion.