Opinion ID: 1882336
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Cross-Examination of Rose's Mental Health Expert

Text: In issue five, Rose argues that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct by inappropriately discrediting Rose's mental health expert, Dr. Toomer, during cross-examination. Generally, matters affecting the credibility of a witness may be inquired into on cross-examination. See Chandler v. State, 702 So.2d 186, 195-96 (Fla.1997). As a form of impeachment, section 90.608(1), Florida Statutes (1997), provides, for example, that any party may attack the credibility of a witness by showing that the witness is biased. We have in fact recognized a host of matters upon which cross-examining counsel may inquire in demonstration of bias, including, for instance, the frequency with which a defense expert testifies for capital defendants. See Henry v. State, 574 So.2d 66, 71 (Fla.1991). During the proceedings below, Dr. Toomer provided lengthy testimony regarding Rose's emotional and mental history. On cross-examination, the State asked questions relating to Dr. Toomer's prior testimony for other defendants and other questions relating to his qualifications. Contrary to Rose's arguments, we conclude the questions asked by the State were within the broad range of permissible cross-examination. In fact, this line of questioning is almost identical to the one in Henry. See id. To the extent that this Court found this inquiry relevant in demonstrating the expert's bias in Henry, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in allowing the questions here.