Opinion ID: 1620060
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 19

Heading: Nude Magazines and Photographs

Text: The State correctly contends that the photographs now objected to formed the motive to kidnap Darla as part of Peede's plan to murder Geraldine and Calvin. See Muhammad, 782 So.2d at 358 (finding evidence of a threat admissible to establish motive and intent for murder). It is also contended that they were relevant because they served to corroborate Peede's confession. See Thompson, 565 So.2d at 1315 (finding that admitted photographs were relevant to show that the defendant's out-of-court confessions were consistent with the evidence found at the crime scene). The test for the admissibility of photographic evidence is relevance, not necessity. Mansfield, 758 So.2d at 648 (citing Gudinas v. State, 693 So.2d 953, 963 (Fla.1997)). A trial court's ruling on the relevancy of evidence and whether or not the probative value is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice is governed by an abuse of discretion standard of review. Williamson, 681 So.2d at 696. On the other hand, trial courts must be cautious in not permitting unduly prejudicial or particularly inflammatory photographs before the jury. Brooks v. State, 787 So.2d 765, 781 (Fla.2001). [6] We agree with the State's assertions and conclude that the record supports these contentions. Therefore, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting the nude magazines and photographs, and appellate counsel cannot be deemed ineffective for failing to raise this issue on direct appeal.