Court Opinion

ID: 9714348
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 05:35:43.392157+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:25.370796
License: Public Domain

Coleman, C.J.
(concurring in part; dissenting in part). I agree that the testimony of an officer reporting a radio statement made by a police dispatcher who was repeating a telephone statement made by another is hearsay (double hearsay) under these facts.
I do not agree that the defendant should be *363permitted to object vigorously to the midtrial indorsement of the person (when she became known) who made the original call to the dispatcher, decline a continuance, and now complain that he was denied his right of confrontation, his right to a speedy trial, and his right to a verdict from the first jury impanelled. There is no showing that a speedy trial or a verdict by the first jury would have been denied.
The hearsay rule, MRE 801 et seq., is intended "to preserve the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses who make certain statements”, as the Court of Appeals opinion noted. The fact that the person telephoning the police was present at the trial, albeit through a late indorsement, and available for examination by defendant is relevant to the determination of whether the admission of this evidence requires reversal. In this case, the fact that the person was available for interview and examination preserved defendant’s right and opportunity to confront and cross-examine the witness. However, it is apparent that the defendant wished to prevent the testimony of the woman who allegedly reported hearing screams and a horn honking, and he now complains about a lack of confrontation. Admittedly, this strategy entailed good legal footwork, but I would not agree that we should permit form to prevail over substance.
I would affirm.
Williams, J., concurred with Coleman, C.J.