Opinion ID: 2590700
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: References to inadmissible evidence

Text: Defendant argues that the prosecution improperly asked defense expert Dr. Maloney, a forensic psychologist who had reviewed defendant's childhood psychological evaluations, questions to elicit inadmissible, aggravating evidence. Quoting People v. Visciotti, supra, 2 Cal.4th at page 81, 5 Cal.Rptr.2d 495, 825 P.2d 388, defendant points out: It is proper to question an expert about matter on which the expert bases his or her opinion and on the reasons for that opinion. A party attacking the credibility of the expert may bring to the jury's attention material that is relevant to the issue of which the expert was unaware [citation], but that party may not by its questions testify regarding the content of that material. Defendant maintains that the prosecution argued to the jury defendant's unadjudicated acts of criminal conduct, which were not introduced into evidence, or reviewed by the expert witness. Defendant failed to object on this ground at trial; thus, he has forfeited this claim on appeal. ( People v. Dennis, supra, 17 Cal.4th at p. 519, 71 Cal.Rptr.2d 680, 950 P.2d 1035.) Moreover, for the reasons that follow, we conclude the prosecution did not commit misconduct. A party may cross-examine an expert witness more extensively and searchingly than a lay witness, and the prosecution was entitled to attempt to discredit the expert's opinion. [Citation.] In cross-examining a psychiatric expert witness, the prosecutor's good faith questions are proper even when they are, of necessity, based on facts not in evidence. [Citation.] ( People v. Dennis, supra, 17 Cal.4th at p. 519, 71 Cal.Rptr.2d 680, 950 P.2d 1035.) Dr. Maloney testified on direct examination that when defendant was about 13 years old, he was placed in a psychiatric hospital for bizarre behavior, and later explained that defendant displayed juvenile delinquency, acting out. Challenging Dr. Maloney's assessment (which was based on records prepared by defendant's prior attorneys and on defendant's own statements), the prosecution asked Dr. Maloney whether he had read a 1964 letter describing defendant's burglaries and assault with a loaded gun, which conduct had led to defendant's hospitalization. Dr. Maloney stated he did not recognize the letter. Dr. Maloney ultimately agreed with the prosecution that some of the bizarre behavior referred to behavior that was criminal. The jury learned that several documents, none of which Dr. Maloney recognized or were admitted into evidence, contained information about defendant's 1964 burglaries and assault with a loaded gun, and his probation officer's assessment of defendant's parents' care and concern for him. Contrary to defendant's assertion, the prosecution's cross-examination of Dr. Maloney was proper. Because Dr. Maloney relied only on documents provided by defense counsel and defendant's own statements, the prosecution was entitled to challenge Dr. Maloney on his assessment by asking whether he considered other documents. Moreover, the prosecution's reference to a letter from defendant's probation officer, which was not discussed during Dr. Maloney's cross-examination, was not prejudicial. (See People v. Dennis, supra, 17 Cal.4th at p. 521, 71 Cal.Rptr.2d 680, 950 P.2d 1035.) This letter, which was used to challenge Dr. Maloney's statement that defendant's parents were alcoholics, simply stated that defendant as an adolescent did not commit criminal violations until September 9th of 1964 ... is largely due to the excellent way in which Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have provided supervision, guidance, and professional care for [defendant].