Opinion ID: 2016221
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: failure to compel victim's psychiatric examination

Text: A defendant in a criminal proceeding has no general due process right to discovery. State v. Tuttle, 238 Neb. 827, 472 N.W.2d 712 (1991); Weatherford v. Bursey, 429 U.S. 545, 97 S.Ct. 837, 51 L.Ed.2d 30 (1977); State v. Blair, 230 Neb. 775, 433 N.W.2d 518 (1988). Unless granted as a matter of right under the Constitution or other law, discovery is within the discretion of a trial court, whose ruling will be upheld on appeal unless the trial court has abused its discretion in the discovery ruling. See, State v. Boppre, 234 Neb. 922, 453 N.W.2d 406 (1990); State v. Blair, supra ; State v. Tuttle, supra . The granting of a request for a psychiatric evaluation of the victim falls within the discretionary power of the trial court. State v. Nelson, 235 Neb. 15, 453 N.W.2d 454 (1990). The purpose of a psychiatric examination in a case involving a sexual offense is to detect any mental or moral delusions or tendencies causing distortion of the imagination which would affect the probable credibility of the complaining witness. Id. If the victim in this case were of a more mature age, compelling a psychiatric examination, though still discretionary, would have been appropriate. The tender years and limitations of B.W., in conjunction with her previous examinations by medical and psychological professionals, and her courtroom testimony all were deemed sufficient by the trial judge for the jury to assess the child's credibility as a witness. We agree. The assignment is without merit.