Opinion ID: 2002245
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Competency of the Victim

Text: Roman argues that the trial court committed reversible error by permitting the victim to testify at trial asserting that the court's failure to conduct a voir dire examination of the victim prior to her testimony was erroneous. Rule 601 of the Maine Rules of Evidence is the controlling authority for determining the competency of a witness. It provides, in pertinent part: (a) General Rule of Competency. Every person is competent to be a witness except as otherwise provided in these rules. (b) Disqualification of Witness. A person is disqualified to be a witness if the court finds that (1) the proposed witness is incapable of expressing himself concerning the matter so as to be understood by the judge and jury either directly or through interpretation by one who can understand him, (2) the proposed witness is incapable of understanding the duty of a witness to tell the truth, (3) the proposed witness lacked any reasonable ability to perceive the matter or (4) the proposed witness lacks any reasonable ability to remember the matter. . . . M.R.Evid. 601. A child of any age is presumed competent to testify as a witness unless disqualified under Rule 601(b). See State v. Hussey, 521 A.2d 278, 280 (Me.1987) (contrasting current law with pre-existing law). Although the trial court held no competency hearing, it did have the opportunity to listen to and evaluate the competency of the victim during her testimony. See State v. Clark, 488 A.2d 1376, 1378 (Me. 1985). Contrary to Roman's contention, there is nothing in the record which would indicate that the victim was not competent to testify. See State v. Murray, 559 A.2d 361, 362 (Me.1989) (in holding five year-old sex abuse victim competent to testify, Court relied on child's statements that she knew what lies were and that those who told them were punished). Thus, we find no error. See, e.g., State v. Sabattis, 602 A.2d 671, 671 (Me.1992) (fourteen year-old sexual abuse victim competent to testify); State v. Woodburn, 559 A.2d 343, 346-47 (Me.1989) (eight year-old child victim competent to testify); Hussey, 521 A.2d at 280-81 (three year-old child victim competent to testify); Clark, 488 A.2d at 1378 (child victims competent to testify).