Opinion ID: 724858
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Admissibility of the Photographs.

Text: 63 The Lewises argue that the prejudicial effect of the photographs outweighed their probative value. Additionally, Mr. Lewis asserts that the autopsy photos, which were unusually gruesome and inflammatory, were unfair because the dissections depicted the extent of the bruising, which he could not have known prior to the autopsy. 64 We review the admissibility of photographic evidence for abuse of discretion. United States v. Follin, 979 F.2d 369, 375 (5th Cir.1992). We find that the district court properly weighed the probative value against the prejudicial effect when evaluating the admissibility of the photographs. See Fed.R.Evid. 403. The court found the photos relevant to the issue of the defendants' intent and the issue regarding absence of accident. We agree that the photos are relevant for these reasons. Gruesome photographs are relevant when they establish an element of the crime charged. United States v. Bowers, 660 F.2d 527 (5th Cir. Unit B Sept. 1981); United States v. McRae, 593 F.2d 700, 707 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 862, 100 S.Ct. 128, 62 L.Ed.2d 83 (1979); and United States v. Kaiser, 545 F.2d 467, 476 (5th Cir.1977). We also agree with the government that under the facts of this case the photos were relevant to counter claims that the Lewises' employed normal disciplinary measures. The extensive bruising divulges the excessive force behind the Lewises' supposedly disciplinary blows. The photos are the best means of conveying to the jury the force behind the blows. 65 Further, we find that the potential prejudice was consciously minimized here. The district court avoided duplication and limited the prejudicial effect of the photos by requiring the government to reduce the number of photos to be shown to the jury. Of the approximately 130 photos, the government entered only 16 into evidence. In another child abuse case resulting in death, we commented that the photos of the child's lacerated heart 66 had the potential to inflame the jury, but we consider it no more inflammatory than photographs that portray this sort of death suffered by the victim in this or any other case where the circumstances of the death are at issue. United States v. Kaiser, 545 F.2d 467, 476 (5th Cir.1977). The photograph, here, was essential to the government's case if it was to meet its burden of showing that appellant brought cruel and excessive physical force to bear on her child. 67 Bowers, 660 F.2d at 529. Thus, the district court acted well within its discretion when allowing the government to present the photos to the jury. 68