Opinion ID: 2389712
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Failure to Pursue Twist's Request to Submit to a Lie Detector Test.

Text: The post-conviction review court found that [t]rial counsels' decision not to arrange for a lie detector test despite Twist's insistence reflected the prevailing view that such tests were not admissible in court; additionally, in counsels' professional judgment, the test results would not have discouraged the District Attorney's prosecution of the charges against defendant. This decision was not manifestly unreasonable. On appeal, Twist argues that because (1) he requested to be allowed to submit to a lie detector test; (2) the developing trend in a number of states allows the results into evidence; and (3) trial counsel was aware that R. Field & P. Murray, Maine Evidence, § 4.03.6 at 99, suggests that lie detector tests would be admissible in certain circumstances, trial counsels' failure to pursue the lie detector test was manifestly unreasonable and the post-conviction review court's determination clearly erroneous. We find Twist's contention to be without merit. As the post-conviction review court properly noted, the record supported a finding that trial counsels' decision was based on numerous factors, including the fact that lie detector results are inadmissible in Maine. The post-conviction review court properly concluded that trial counsels' decision with regard to the lie detector issue did not deny Twist effective assistance of counsel. We find no error. The entry is: Judgment affirmed. All concurring.