Court Opinion

ID: 9586130
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 23:07:33.188454+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:24:21.337936
License: Public Domain

FINNEY, Chief Justice:
I respectfully dissent. The majority announces a new test to be applied in determining the admissibility of scientific evidence. This is a two part test, first requiring an inquiry under Rule 702, SCRE, followed by an analysis under Rule 403, SCRE. The trial judge did not have the benefit of this new rule, and therefore could not and did not apply it in determining the admissibility of the mtDNA evidence. Justice requires that we reverse and remand appellant’s conviction and sentence for a new trial in which this novel scientific evidence is subjected to the newly formulated test.
I am also deeply concerned by the admission of appellant’s statements. His sixth amendment right to counsel attached at his arraignment, Moorer v. State, 244 S.C. 102, 135 S.E.2d 713 (1964), and then again at the time of his polygraph examination. State v. Grizzle, 293 S.C. 19, 358 S.E.2d 388 (1987). In my opinion, the record is less than clear that, assuming that appellant waived his right following the arraignment, he was ever reinformed and then knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived this right before the polygraph examination was administered.
For the reasons given above, I would reverse and remand for a new trial.