Opinion ID: 1351833
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Restriction of Proof

Text: When the court prohibited defense counsel from obtaining testimony from Byers as to his knowledge of the examining psychiatrist's opinion, an offer of proof was made. Defense counsel offered to present the testimony of the examining psychiatrist regarding Byers' mental condition. The trial court refused to permit the psychiatrist to testify. The prosecution attempts to justify the trial court's ruling by suggesting that the evidence was improper because the offer of proof was not complete and because the psychiatrist's testimony was in conflict with the testimony of another psychiatrist. The prosecution urges that the difference in psychiatric opinion could only confuse and distract the jury. Opinions of psychiatrists on mental disabilities often are the subject of gradations that defy precise definition and evaluation. Defense counsel's offer of proof was that a psychiatrist would testify that Byers was a delusional paranoid schizophrenic. The only fair inference to be drawn from the offer of proof was that testimony would be presented establishing that a delusional paranoid schizophrenic was not an entirely credible witness. Defense counsel's effort to present the testimony was obviously for the purpose of attacking the credibility of the prosecution's key witness. The trial court even acknowledged that Byers' previous psychiatric history would go to the weight to be accorded to his testimony. The psychiatric issue was not collateral. The differences in the opinions of the psychiatrists should not have foreclosed the admissibility of the opinion of an otherwise qualified psychiatrist. See generally, People v. King, 179 Colo. 94, 498 P.2d 1142 (1972). The offer of proof was sufficient, and the trial court erred in not permitting defense counsel to call the examining psychiatrist for the purpose of establishing the mental condition of Byers. In a case that largely depended upon whether the jury would believe the testimony of the defendant or the testimony of Byers, it was essential that wide latitude be granted to the defense on cross-examination concerning the mental condition of Byers. Therefore, fundamental fairness requires that we reverse the judgment and remand for a new trial consonant with the directions set forth in this opinion. Judgment reversed and cause remanded for a new trial. PRINGLE, C. J., and DAY, J., do not participate.