Opinion ID: 1158206
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Arguments for the Defense

Text: On appeal, both defendants make similar arguments against the admission of PTSD testimony. They claim that the State failed to lay the proper scientific foundation for its admission, arguing that PTSD evidence is not generally accepted as a reliable means for determining whether sexual abuse has occurred. Both defendants advocate the continued use of the Frye test as a predicate for the admission of expert opinion testimony. The defendants also argue that PTSD evidence is not relevant because the experts' testimony went beyond the scope of what their expertise allows. They concede that PTSD testimony may be admitted if its purpose is to explain the victim's delayed reporting of the incident or her initial denial or subsequent recantation of the incident. They maintain, however, that an expert may not testify that an alleged victim's symptoms of PTSD are consistent with those exhibited by someone who has been sexually abused because such testimony lacks an objective scientific foundation. They assert that PTSD evidence regarding causation was improper because PTSD was not intended to be used as a forensic tool in a court of law. In addition, the defendants claim that such testimony amounts to improper evidence regarding the complainants' credibility. Because this testimony usurps the traditional function of the jury, they argue that it results in prejudice to the defendants which outweighs any probative value. Amicus focuses primarily upon the standard for the admissibility of expert opinion testimony, and it urges the retention of the Frye test. Like defense counsel, amicus admits that PTSD is generally accepted as a diagnosis of observed symptoms, but not for identifying the underlying cause of the symptoms. Also like the defense and the Court of Appeals, amicus assumes that jurors are apt to be awed by the aura of infallibility of expert testimony. Thus, it urges a de novo review of the admissibility of such evidence.