Opinion ID: 1521791
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 17

Heading: the prosecutor's examination of detective muse

Text: In testimony taking up ten pages of the transcript, the prosecutor asked Detective Clarence Muse did you actually take a written statement from Mr. Ruffin? After answering Yes, I did, Detective Muse was handed Government Exhibit 27 and described it as a copy of the statement that he took from Ruffin. Detective Muse testified that he advised Ruffin of his rights and (without alerting the jury to his failure to cease interrogation, and his legal advice that Ruffin did not need a lawyer, ensured that Ruffin was willing to make the statement. He said, well, he didn't have anything to hide. At the prosecutor's request, Detective Muse then read the full statement out to the jury. Having done so, Detective Muse described how Ruffin took the opportunity to read the statement over to see if it was accurate. Detective Muse testified that Ruffin signed the statement on each page and also signed it at the end with the words: I read this statement given by me or have had it read to me. I fully understand it. I certify that it is true to the best of my knowledge and recollection. [This, and similar exchanges at other points during the trial, lent an undeserved air of propriety and veracity to the involuntary, inadmissible, written statement.] According to Detective Muse, Ruffin's demeanor during the giving of the statement was Calm and unemotional, even stark at times.