Opinion ID: 2339206
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Competence of Jeanelle Magnum

Text: First, appellant argues that the trial court erred by not ordering a psychiatric examination of Jeanelle Magnum prior to ruling that she was competent to testify. Before Magnum testified for the government, she was examined by counsel and the court to determine her competence to testify. She stated that she had spent some time at St. Elizabeths Hospital, that she had undergone treatment for alcoholism at D.C. General Hospital, and that she occasionally used narcotics, though she had not used any drugs either on the night of the incident in question or during the trial. Appellant claims that under these circumstances it was error for the trial court to rule, without any further examination, that Magnum was competent to testify. This court has declared that [i]t is within the discretion of the trial judge to order a psychiatric examination of a witness for the purpose of determining competency to testify or to aid the jury in its assessment of a witness' credibility. [ Ledbetter v. United States, D.C. App., 350 A.2d 379, 380 (1976), citing United States v. Benn, 155 U.S.App.D.C. 180, 183, 476 F.2d 1127, 1130 (1972).] In determining whether a mental examination is necessary, the trial court must balance the potential evidentiary advantage against the dangers of an unwarranted invasion of privacy posed by such examinations. Ledbetter v. United States, supra at 380. There may be potential harassment resulting therefrom and there is also the likelihood that witnesses may be deterred from coming forward. We note that the District of Columbia Circuit has ruled that a presumption exists against ordering mental examinations. United States v. Butler, 156 U.S. App.D.C. 356, 359, 481 F.2d 531, 534 (1973). That court has also stated that a trial court's ruling on a witness' competency should not be disturbed unless the record provides unmistakable evidence that the trial court's impressions are defective. United States v. Heinlein, 160 U.S.App.D.C. 157, 163, 490 F.2d 725, 731 (1973). Here the trial court had the opportunity during the voir dire examination to observe Magnum. We find no abuse of discretion on this record.