Court Opinion

ID: 9454995
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 19:05:59.612754+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:34:24.625794
License: Public Domain

VAN OOSTERHOUT, Chief Judge
(dissenting).
I agree with the view of the majority that the court unduly restricted the cross-examination of the prosecution’s witness, Reinhardt. I disagree with the majority view that the error was prejudicial. I would affirm the conviction.
All federal constitutional errors do not compel a reversal. The Supreme Court has recognized a harmless error rule for violations of some constitutional rights. The test as set out in Chapman v. California, 386 U.S. 18, 24, 87 S.Ct. 824, 828, 17 L.Ed.2d 705, is thus stated: “[T]he court must be able to declare a belief that it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.”
In Harrington v. California, 395 U.S. 250, 254, 89 S.Ct. 1726, 23 L.Ed.2d 284, the Court held that a Bruton violation can be harmless error. From the Har* rington case it would follow that the harmless error rule is to be applied in denial of confrontation cases.
The strength of the Government’s case is entitled to consideration in resolving the harmless error issue. Harrington v. California, supra; Bass v. United States, 8 Cir., 326 F.2d 884, 890; Homan v. United States, 8 Cir., 279 F.2d 767, 771.
In the case before us, the evidence of defendant’s guilt is strong. There is strong evidence apart from that of Reinhardt to support the conviction.
With respect to the restriction of cross-examination of Reinhardt on immunity, footnote 3 to the majority opinion shows Reinhardt testified that an immunity promise was made to him in the grand jury room and that he had not been prosecuted for his part in the offense. From this testimony, it is apparent that Reinhardt conceded that he had a deal with the Government not to prosecute him, which deal had been carried out. Apparently this testimony was not denied. It is difficult to see where further development of this phase of the testimony would be of any benefit to the defendant.
On the issue of Reinhardt’s residence, it appears from footnote 5 to the majority opinion that defendant had complete information with respect thereto and thus was in a position to make any desired investigation. I am unable to see how under the circumstances of this case the development of residence evidence would be of any benefit to the defendant.
In my view, the Government has established that the asserted errors are harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.