Opinion ID: 2326776
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Prior Inconsistent, Under Oath Statement

Text: [¶ 41] The rule of evidence regarding admission of prior inconsistent, under oath statements, M.R. Evid. 801(d)(1)(A), was not addressed at trial in relation to the grand jury testimony. The Rule 801(d)(1)(A) issue was not generated until Gorman's mother testified before the jury. We address Rule 801(d)(1)(A) here because, even if the Rule 803(5) ruling was in error, which it was not, admission of the grand jury testimony was appropriate under a different rule than the one addressed at trial. Thus, any error would be harmless. See State v. White, 2002 ME 122, ¶ 16, 804 A.2d 1146, 1150. A trial court action, proper under the law, may be affirmed, even if for a reason different than that given by the trial court. State v. Gwinn, 390 A.2d 479, 481-83 (Me.1978), 2 Cluchey & Seitzinger, Maine Criminal Practice § 52.3 at IX-131 (1995 ed.). [¶ 42] Rule 801(d)(1)(A) provides, in pertinent part that: (d) Statements which are not hearsay. A statement is not hearsay if: (1) Prior statement by witness. The declarant testifies at the trial or hearing and is subject to cross-examination concerning the statement, and the statement is (A) inconsistent with the witness's testimony, and was given under oath subject to the penalty of perjury at a trial, hearing or other proceeding, or in a deposition. [¶ 43] We have interpreted M.R. Evid. 801(d)(1)(A) to allow admission, as substantive evidence, of a prior inconsistent statement, given under oath, of a witness who testifies at trial. State v. Creamer, 379 A.2d 733, 734 (Me.1977). Such a statement is not hearsay. Id. See also Field & Murray, Maine Evidence § 801.4 at 401 (2000 ed.). [¶ 44] During the trial, Gorman's mother testified before the jury in response to the State's questions, as follows: Q. I am asking you prior to the discovery of Ms. St. Laurent's body, did your son tell you what he had done that Saturday night that Ms. St. Laurent had disappeared? A. He told me that he dropped her off at the [Portland night club], I believe is how you say it. He told me that they  that there was a party and it never really developed and that he had dropped her off. Q. Now  A. I am sorry, I'm a little nervous and after yesterday's media, I couldn't sleep last night so I am sorry. Q. Did what he tell you change at all? A. No, sir. Q. It never changed? A. No, sir. Q. Had you ever testified that his story to you kept changing? A. No, sir. Q. You're sure of that? A. I don't know. I don't remember. [¶ 45] Gorman's mother's trial testimony as to what Gorman had said about his encounter with St. Laurent, that he never changed this statement, and that she had not testified that Gorman's statement to her kept changing were statements that were inconsistent with her under oath grand jury testimony. Those inconsistencies made the grand jury testimony admissible as substantive evidence pursuant to M.R. Evid. 801(d)(1)(A). United States v. Young, 316 F.3d 649, 659-60 (7th Cir.2002) (affirming admission of grand jury testimony as prior inconsistent statements under Fed. R. Evid. 801(d)(1)(A); United States v. Russell, 712 F.2d 1256, 1258 (8th Cir.1983)) (holding grand jury testimony admissible as substantive evidence under Fed. R. Evid. 801(d)(1)(A) when a witness could not recall substance of grand jury testimony).