Opinion ID: 1752176
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Objections to Hypothetical Questions

Text: The State used hypothetical questions to obtain expert opinion testimony. On this appeal, defendant objects to three of the questions propounded by the State on the ground that there were no facts in the record to support the questions asked. The use of hypothetical questions is an accepted method for securing expert opinion testimony. State v. Boner, 203 N.W.2d 198, 200 (Iowa 1972). The hypothesis upon which the expert witness is asked to rely must be established by the facts in the record or by facts later introduced into the record. The facts, however, need not be shown by direct testimony but may arise as a fair inference from either direct or circumstantial evidence. State v. Conner, 241 N.W.2d 447, 460 (Iowa 1976). The trial court has considerable discretion in deciding whether a basis exists for submitting hypothetical questions for jury determination. Dougherty v. Boyken, 261 Iowa 602, 607, 155 N.W.2d 488, 491 (1968); State v. Hodge, 252 Iowa 449, 459-60, 105 N.W.2d 613, 619 (1960), appeal dismissed, 368 U.S. 402, 82 S.Ct. 437, 7 L.Ed.2d 394 (1961). We do not reverse except for abuse of discretion. Conner, 241 N.W.2d at 460. In the present case defendant first objects to a hypothetical question submitted to Dr. Loeffelholz which was designed to elicit his opinion on defendant's mental condition at the time of the Deborah Lane murder. The State wanted the doctor to assume that the murderer had placed an unknown object in the toilet bowl in the bathroom in the victim's home. Defendant argues there is no evidence to support this assumption. Defendant's argument misstates the premise upon which it relies by insisting there was no evidence that anyone had placed a bloody object in the toilet bowl. Although there was considerable discussion in chambers concerning the use of the word bloody in framing the question, the inquiry as actually posed to the witness made reference only to an unknown object. At no time did the State designate the object as a bloody one. This alone would warrant rejection of defendant's objection. In addition we find there was evidence to support the question as submitted. The matter was of minimal importance to the opinion asked and would not justify a reversal in any event. We find no merit in this objection. The second hypothetical question to which objection was made asked the expert witness to assume certain facts from the manner in which defendant's brother had described his appearance and demeanor on an occasion immediately following the murder of Patricia Kniss. Defendant objected on the ground the evidence showed that the room in which these observations were made was so dark it was impossible to describe either the appearance or conduct of defendant at that time. The dispute centers around this testimony. Craig Moses, defendant's brother, was watching a professional basketball game when the defendant arrived home late on the night of April 20, 1979. There was no lighting in the room except that provided by the television set. Defendant came in, inquired about the score, watched the game for a few minutes and went upstairs. He expressed some opinion about the game and was pleased Los Angeles was winning. He did not appear to be excited or upset. The witness testified that he was unable to describe defendant's clothing or to observe his facial expression because there was insufficient light. The hypothetical question was careful to include only those matters about which Craig Moses testified. It eliminated any description of clothing or facial appearance because the witness said he could not observe these. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in permitting the hypothetical question to be submitted on this state of the record. The witness stated what he could and could not see and observe. It was arguable as to exactly what the witness could observe in view of the limited lighting. These were matters going to the weight of the evidence, rather than to its admissibility. We cannot say that the question as framed was not supported by any evidence in the record, and we find no merit in the objection made. The third hypothetical question to which objection was lodged was directed to Dr. Michael Taylor in connection with the Deborah Lane murder. The evidence showed that at approximately 6:30 A.M. on that day the defendant drove another brother, Jeffrey, to work. The hypothetical asked Dr. Taylor to assume Jeffrey noted nothing unusual about defendant's actions or statements at that time. Defendant objected that this was not borne out by the record because Jeffrey had stated the defendant appeared high and angry. Jeffrey was not entirely consistent in his testimony. At one time he said the defendant appeared tired. At another he said defendant was high and angry from the night before and at still another he stated he noticed nothing unusual about defendant. The State had the right to ask the hypothetical question based on its own theory consistent with the supporting evidence in the record. Defendant was free to attack this version on cross-examination and to argue that the opinion expressed was not consistent with the record facts. Speed v. State, 240 N.W.2d 901, 911 (Iowa 1976). The State, however, was not obligated to include all the conflicting facts in its hypothetical presentation. There was sufficient evidence to submit this theory to the jury and to permit the jury to decide whether it was the true version.