Opinion ID: 1197771
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Exclusion of Maria Lena Woodward's Written Statement

Text: 53. David also argues that the trial court erred in excluding the written statement to police given by Maria Lena Woodward (Maria), David's mother. Both Maria and a police officer testified about the statement and its contents, so the statement itself was cumulative. Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed ... by considerations of ... needless presentation of cumulative evidence. SCRA 1986, 11-403. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to admit the statement. See State ex rel. State Highway Comm'n v. Steinkraus, 76 N.M. 617, 622, 417 P.2d 431, 434 (1966) (holding that trial court's refusal to admit cumulative testimony was not abuse of discretion).