Court Opinion

ID: 9860624
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 23:27:54.189311+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:26:11.924583
License: Public Domain

MESCHKE, Justice,
concurring.
I concur that the trial court’s error in limiting Haugen’s cross-examination of Helferich was harmless under NDRCrimP 52(a). I write separately to emphasize the constitutional importance of cross-examination for an accused and to stress the function of motive in assessing credibility of a witness.
The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right of a criminal defendant “to be confronted with the witnesses against him.” State v. Reinart, 440 N.W.2d 503, 506 (N.D.1989); Pointer v. Texas, 380 U.S. 400, 85 S.Ct. 1065, 13 L.Ed.2d 923 (1965). The confrontation clause secures the accused’s right of cross-examination. State v. Hilling, 219 N.W.2d 164, 171 (N.D.1974); Douglas v. Alabama, 380 U.S. 415, 418, 85 S.Ct. 1074, 1076, 13 L.Ed.2d 934 (1965). Davis v. Alaska, 415 U.S. 308, 316-17, 94 S.Ct. 1105, 1110, 39 L.Ed.2d 347 (1974) explained:
A more particular attack on the witness’ credibility is effected by means of cross-examination directed toward revealing possible biases, prejudices, or ulterior motives of the witness as they may relate directly to issues or personalities in the case at hand. The partiality of a witness is subject to exploration at trial, and is “always relevant as discrediting the witness and affecting the weight of his testimony.” 3A J. Wigmore, Evidence § 940, p. 775 (Chadbourn rev. 1970). We have recognized that the exposure of a witness’ motivation in testifying is a proper and important function of the constitutionally protected right of cross-examination. Greene v. McElroy, 360 U.S. 474, 496 [79 S.Ct. 1400, 1413, 3 L.Ed.2d 1377] (1959). (Footnote omitted).
Any question, even an irrelevant or remote one, may be asked on cross-examination if it reasonably tends to discredit the testimony of a witness. 81 Am.Jur.2d Witnesses § 476 (1976). In particular, great latitude must be allowed to test the testimony of someone in the position of an accomplice. State v. Kent, 62 N.W. 631, 638-39 (N.D.1895); 81 Am.Jur.2d Witnesses § 498 (1976). A trial court must allow ample scope in cross-examination of prosecution witnesses in a criminal defense.
Cross-examination of Helferich was central to Haugen’s defense because Helferich was the prosecution’s chief witness. While she was not charged as an accomplice, the reason for Helferich’s complicity in staging of the burglary was a natural focus of her credibility. Defense counsel should have been allowed a loose rein in probing her motives.
The financial circumstances of either a defendant or a witness in a criminal case may often be irrelevant, prejudicial, or both. Nonetheless, it is axiomatic that a pecuniary interest of a witness can be used to show bias, prejudice, interest, or motive and to affect credibility. 81 Am.Jur.2d Witnesses § 663 (1976); State v. Eggl, 53 N.D. 520, 206 N.W. 784 (1925). To illustrate, financial motivation of the accused is *294often important in arson and murder prosecutions. See 5 Am.Jur.2d Arson and Related Offenses § 53 (1962); 40 Am.Jur.2d Homicide § 280 (1968). Financial motivation of a witness can be equally important to a defense. “Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” I do not agree that the financial condition of a witness is rarely relevant to credibility of that witness.
For the reasons given in the majority opinion, I reluctantly conclude, in this case, that the trial court’s restrictions on cross-examination of Helferich were harmless errors.