Opinion ID: 2089063
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Relevance of the Photographs in Light of a Stipulation

Text: Respondent also argues that the photographs presented in this case were not relevant because the defense stipulated to the identity of the victim. Applying the principles regarding stipulations outlined in Section III.C, supra, we must next consider whether Petitioner and Respondent entered into a stipulation. We are faced with conflicting information regarding the nature and extent of the stipulation. Before the trial began, at the conclusion of a bench conference, Respondent's counsel remarked to the judge that the parties had stipulated to the identity of the victim, and thus no photographs would be necessary. [11] Although the State's Attorney did not object, the record does not establish whether he was still a party to the bench discussion. [12] The record also indicates, however, that later in the trial, Petitioner and Respondent disagreed regarding the nature of the stipulation. [13] At the hearing on Respondent's motion for a new trial, Respondent's counsel again referred to a stipulation. Finally, at oral argument, Respondent contended that both parties agreed to stipulate to the victim's identity, while the State contended that there was no mutual assent to a stipulation. This case illustrates the need to state the precise terms of a stipulation on the record. We are limited in our review to the information that appears in the record. In future cases, the proponent of a stipulation would be well advised to ensure that the terms of any stipulation are recorded, and that mutual assent is demonstrated. See McLaurin v. State, 31 Md.App. 375, 356 A.2d 563 (1976). Assuming, arguendo, that the parties did agree to stipulate to the victim's identity, the record illustrates that they consistently disagreed about which evidence was precluded by the stipulation. See supra note 13. As we noted in Section III.C, supra, the decision regarding whether a particular piece of evidence may be offered to prove a stipulated fact is committed to the sound discretion of the trial judge. Although the record does not reflect any direct statement by the trial judge whether the stipulation to the identity of Thomas Blank, Jr., rendered the in life photographs unnecessary, the judge considered the issue on at least four occasions. While the better practice is for the trial judge to state the basis for the decision on the record, the trial court is not required to do so. [14] Beales v. State, 329 Md. 263, 270, 619 A.2d 105, 109 (1993). The trial judge was privy to a discussion of the terms of the stipulation in chambers that is not included in the record. He was therefore in a better position to determine whether the in life photographs were relevant. In addition, although the relevance of the photographs derived from their use to prove the victim's identity, which was stipulated, the stipulation did not deprive the photographs of all relevance. See Grandison v. State, 305 Md. at 729, 506 A.2d at 602. Photographs are inherently cumulative, whether used to illustrate testimony or, as in this case, in support of a stipulation. We reaffirm the position we stated in Bedford, that photographs need not possess essential evidentiary value to be admissible. 317 Md. at 677, 566 A.2d at 120. Furthermore, photographic evidence ordinarily does not provide the factfinder with new information, but rather with an alternative form of information. See Johnson v. State, 303 Md. at 504, 495 A.2d at 9. The trial judge had discretion to determine whether this alternative form of information regarding the identity of the victim was wholly needless under the circumstances. WIGMORE, supra, § 2591, at 825. We hold that the trial judge's decision to admit the photographs was not an abuse of discretion.