Opinion ID: 1772873
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Denial of funds to employ an independent psychiatrist witness

Text: In our previous analysis of the first point raised in this appeal, we affirmed the trial court's finding that Rule 37 relief is not appropriate to set aside the conviction on the basis of the denial of funds for the employment of an expert to further develop mitigation factors. Appellant now presents the argument that his Rule 37 hearing should have been used to reargue this point, and contends that the trial court abused its discretion in not approving funds for an expert to reargue this point during the Rule 37 hearing. The purpose of Rule 37 was never intended to provide a means to add evidence to the record or refute evidence adduced at trial. Taylor v. State, 297 Ark. 627, 764 S.W.2d 447 (1989). The standards previously articulated in this opinion, which relate to the purpose and scope of rule 37 proceedings, dispose of this argument. Appellant presents no citation of authority to the contrary, and we do not grant relief without the citation of authority or clear and convincing arguments. Dixon v. State, 260 Ark. 857, 545 S.W.2d 606 (1977). We conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying this request.