Opinion ID: 701341
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Angela Stansbery's testimony

Text: 8 Shedlock argues that the district court erroneously admitted Stansbery's testimony that Shedlock appeared extremely agitated when he approached her. The district court permitted this testimony on the grounds that it was a part of the entire incident. This supported the government's theory that Shedlock was especially angry that day. 9 Shedlock contends that this earlier confrontation is irrelevant and highly prejudicial. Both arguments fail. Under Federal Rule of Evidence 401, evidence is relevant if it has any tendency to make a disputed fact more or less probable. Under this standard, Stansbery's testimony is relevant to show that any actions taken by Shedlock were intentional and it tends to demonstrate Shedlock's state of mind on that afternoon. 10 Shedlock's unfair prejudice argument also fails. Federal Rule of Evidence 403 requires exclusion of relevant testimony if that testimony has an undue tendency to suggest decision on an improper basis. Rule 403, Adv.Comm.Notes. See also United States v. Yellow, 18 F.3d 1438, 1442 (8th Cir.1994). Shedlock correctly points out areas of concern with Stansbery's testimony. Stansbery cried on the witness stand. She testified that her confrontation with Shedlock frightened her so much that she almost got into a car accident. She repeatedly mentioned the two four-year old boys who accompanied her into the clinic. These factors have no bearing on whether Shedlock assaulted or otherwise interfered with a Deputy U.S. Marshal and are potentially inflammatory. However, the possible harm does not reach the level of unfair prejudice. The district court took adequate steps to limit any potential harm from occurring. The court restricted Stansbery's testimony about her own anxiety, and swiftly removed Stansbery from the stand after she started crying. In view of these actions, we find that the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting Stansbery's testimony. 11