Opinion ID: 163124
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Defense's Opening Statement

Text: 5 In his opening statement, defense counsel described Dr. Bebensee as an expert in the proper techniques to be used when interviewing children who are alleged victim[s] of sexual assault or actual victims of sexual assault. ROA, Vol. 9 at 182. He said that interviewing children is not a simple matter and proceeded: 6 It is a much more complex matter than it might appear, and [Dr. Bebensee] will testify as to that it is a very delicate process. There are right and wrong ways of investigating these cases and there are right and wrong ways of interviewing children victims or witnesses in these kinds of cases, and she will be shedding some light on that through her experience and her professional knowledge. She will shed light on those issues for you to help you understand this case. It might seem very simple on its face, but these are complex cases and she will be able to illuminate for you how complex they are and the proper way of investigation. 7 Id. at 182-83. Defense counsel then began discussing the credibility of child witnesses: 8 And she will also be telling you that children do make false accusations of sexual assault. They do make false accusations. It's not something that doesn't happen, it does happen. And the experts in the field, they have certain investigative techniques that can assist them and aid them in discovering whether or not an allegation is false or whether or not it is valid. And she will be discussing those things with you in her testimony. 9 Ultimately, she will be asked to give an opinion on how this case was investigated and whether or not this case points towards a valid accusation or a false allegation or accusation. And what I expect her to say is that — 10 Id. at 183 (emphasis added). 11 At this point the prosecutor requested a bench conference, which was granted. The prosecutor objected on the ground that credibility is not a proper subject for expert testimony. 12 [PROSECUTOR]: I think the case law is pretty clear that testimony regarding truthfulness of the child and validity of the child's accusation is improper and I object to him telling the jury that that's what she's going to say when I don't think that she can say something that strongly. I'd be happy to get the case law. 13 Id. at 184. The colloquy continued as follows: 14 THE COURT: No, I understand the case law. What are you about to say? 15 [DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Just that I expect her to give the opinion that she feels that this is not a valid claim. 16 THE COURT: Because of an investigative technique? 17 [DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Well, a whole lot more than that. She looks at many themes that I haven't gone into here on opening statement. 18 THE COURT: I'll permit it. 19 Id. (emphasis added). 20 In completing his remarks to the jury about Dr. Bebensee, defense counsel summarized the expected testimony: 21 [DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Folks, Dr. Bebensee will give an opinion on whether or not she believes that this is a valid accusation, and it's my — I anticipate she will be telling you that this is not a valid claim, that the story, the statements don't track. There are too many problems with the case to be considered an accurate, valid claim of sexual assault. 22 Id. at 185 (emphasis added).