Opinion ID: 1989023
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Deputy Young's Testimony

Text: Norma's final argument is that the trial court erred in allowing the child's representative to call Deputy Young as a witness because his name was not disclosed by Bush as a witness he intended to call at trial. It is within the trial court's discretion to decide whether evidence is relevant and admissible, and a court's determination on that issue will not be reversed absent a clear abuse of discretion. People v. Morgan, 197 Ill.2d 404, 455, 259 Ill.Dec. 405, 758 N.E.2d 813 (2001). On December 20, 2001, all parties were ordered to provide opposing counsel a list of witnesses each intended to call at trial. Bush did not provide a list of witnesses, but was permitted to take the telephonic evidence deposition of Deputy Young during the trial on April 15, 2002. Norma claims that because Deputy Young's testimony related to the Florida visitation incident, the prejudice to her is manifest. The appellate court held, however, that the lack of disclosure was not prejudicial because she was aware of the investigation by Florida authorities and had access to Deputy Young long before he was disclosed as a witness. The appellate court did not deem Deputy Young's testimony, limited to the issue of the Florida incident, significant enough to have affected the outcome concerning custody. We recognize the importance of compliance with discovery orders. To prevent surprise or prejudice, and where demonstrated harm results to a party, we will not hesitate to grant relief. Here we agree with the appellate court that Norma has not demonstrated any prejudice resulting from Deputy Young's testimony. She was aware of his involvement long before trial began. Her counsel conducted an extensive and effective cross-examination, resulting in the deputy's admissions that he could not recall asking S.B. if her father had struck her and that he did not examine the parts of her body covered by clothing. We hold, therefore, that the court did not abuse its discretion in allowing this witness to testify at trial.