Opinion ID: 1667037
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Improper Limitation in Presenting Impeachment Testimony

Text: Antone asserts that the trial court erroneously limited the direct examination by defense counsel of a character witness whose testimony impeached Haskew's reputation for truth and veracity. Mr. Tommy Walker, former mayor of the City of Bartow, testified: Q Mr. Walker, do you know the general reputation of Ellis Marlow Haskew for truth and veracity in the community of Bartow? A I would think I do, yes. Q Have you ever discussed his reputation with others in the community? MR. BOWDEN: Your Honor, I object to the form of the question. THE COURT: You may rephrase that. Q (By Mr. Ferlita) Have you ever heard his reputation discussed by other people? A Yes, sir, often. Q What is that reputation of Ellis Marlow Haskew for truth and veracity within the community of Bartow? MR. BOWDEN: Objection to the form of the question, Your Honor. THE COURT: Overruled. THE WITNESS: Answer? THE COURT: Yes, you may answer. THE WITNESS: I would say it's not good. Q (By Mr. Ferlita) Based on the general reputation of Marlow Haskew for truth and veracity, would you believe him under oath? MR. BOWDEN: Objection, Your Honor. That is an improper question of the witness. THE COURT: Sustained. This record clearly reflects that the witness was properly allowed to tell the jury that Haskew's reputation for truth and veracity in the community was not good. A further question objected to by the prosecution and sustained by the trial court sought to elicit the individual and personal view of the witness. We agree with the trial court. The clear weight of authority allows only the general reputation of the witness in the community to be admissible. [4] See generally C. McCormick, Evidence § 44 (2d ed. 1972). Antone cites two early cases which in dicta suggest that the excluded question would be permissible. Nelson v. State, 32 Fla. 244, 13 So. 61 (1893); Robinson v. State, 16 Fla. 835 (1878). To the extent that these cases allow this type of opinion evidence to impeach a witness, we overrule them. We also find Antone was not prejudiced by the exclusion of the disputed question. Haskew's reputation was properly placed before the jury by the previous question and answer.