Opinion ID: 2587760
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The question-and-answer-exchange between the prosecutor and victim RT

Text: [¶ 21] Again claiming another instance of improper victim impact evidence, Smith challenges the last question and answer in the prosecutor's direct examination of victim RT: Q: Are you nervous today? A: Very nervous. The State invites us to consider the context of RT's testimony leading up to that brief exchange: Q: Why did you report it [Smith's assault on her]? A: Because I don't  Q: Excuse me? A: Sorry. Because I don't want it to happen to anybody else. Q: Are you nervous today? A: Very nervous. [¶ 22] We agree with the State's argument that this testimony was not victim impact testimony. It is clear the prosecutor's question was directed not to the effect of Smith's crime on RT but to the stress she was experiencing with the unfamiliar circumstance of testifying at a trial. While RT's earlier testimony had by and large been clear, responsive, and cogent, immediately before the challenged question and answer she appears to have given either a halting or partially inaudible answer to a question why she had reported Smith's crime against her. The prosecutor then asked, Excuse me?, and she apologized and gave her answer to what would presumably have been the State's last question. We find no merit in Smith's challenge to this testimony.