Court Opinion

ID: 9849359
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 04:38:54.38878+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:19:19.301589
License: Public Domain

Bell, Justice,
concurring specially.
I concur in the opinion and judgment of the court. I write separately to emphasize that in this case the witness’ out-of-court statement rebutted the defense counsel’s questioning concerning the possibility of recent fabrication and improper influence. As I read the majority opinion, it sanctions the admission of prior out-of-court consistent statements only if the in-court witness’ veracity has first been expressly or impliedly placed in issue. See generally McCormick on Evidence, § 251 (2d ed.) (West 1972 & 1978 Pocket Part).
In addition, I note that if my interpretation is correct, the rule established by the majority opinion of this court is consistent with the Federal Rules of Evidence, which provide that a “statement is not hearsay if . . . [t]he declarant testifies at the trial or hearing and is subject to cross-examination concerning the statement, and the statement is . . . consistent with his testimony and is offered to rebut an express or implied charge against him of recent fabrication or improper influence or nature . . . .” Fed. R. Evid. 801 (d) (1) (B).