Opinion ID: 2519774
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Substantial Likelihood of Recantation Testimony Rendering a Different Result on Retrial

Text: ¶ 21 The State also argues that Julian is not entitled to post-conviction relief because the fact that N has not recanted her testimony renders it impossible for Julian to show the substantial likelihood of a different result on retrial. It cites a number of newly discovered evidence cases where courts have denied relief because recantation testimony was offset by the testimony of other victims or eyewitnesses who had not recanted. See M.T., Sr. v. State, 677 So.2d 1223 (1995); People v. Davenport, 233 A.D.2d 771, 650 N.Y.S.2d 418, 420 (N.Y.App.Div.1996). Under our case law, however, the fact that one or more witnesses have not recanted does not automatically mean that there is not a substantial likelihood of a different result on retrial. In determining whether there is a substantial likelihood, the habeas court should consider both the substance of the proffered testimony and the testimony's probable weight (quotations omitted). Hoffhine, 2001 UT 4 at ¶ 28, 20 P.3d 265; see also State v. Loose, 2000 UT 11, ¶ 18, 994 P.2d 1237 (stating that in recantation cases part of the determination regarding probable weight includes the likelihood that a jury would find the new evidence credible).