Opinion ID: 1141622
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Did the Prosecution Fail to Prove Two Prior Convictions by Competent Evidence?

Text: The prosecution introduced copies of King's commitment papers for his previous two convictions. These were copies authenticated by Christine Houston, director of records of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. King argues that mere copies of the commitment papers are not competent evidence under Pace v. State, 407 So.2d 530 (Miss. 1981) and DeBussi v. State, 453 So.2d 1030 (Miss. 1984). This assignment appears to be without merit. The state points out that in this pre-Rules of Evidence case Miss. Code Ann. 13-1-77 (1972) provides that a custodian of public records may certify copies of records which shall be received in evidence as would the originals. In Pace v. State, 407 So.2d 530, 534, this Court approved introduction of the commitment papers as a substitute for the original judgment. Thus, if certified, the copies of the commitment papers should be competent evidence of King's prior convictions. Ms. Houston's certificate appears in the record at R. 24, and appears to be sufficient beyond question. This assignment of error is without merit.