Court Opinion

ID: 9717223
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 07:00:20.3725+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:52.082649
License: Public Domain

SHEPARD, Justice,
concurring in result.
Barely two years ago, this Court held that admitting a Regiscope photograph is reversible error if the State does not submit as foundation any evidence about the manner in which the photograph was processed or provide a complete chain of custody for the exhibit. Groves v. State (1983), Ind., 456 N.E.2d 720.
Today, the Court holds that admission of such a photograph was proper although the State provided neither evidence about the manner in which the photograph was processed nor a complete chain of custody. Understandably, there is no mention of Groves. I am reminded of what Professor J. William Moore told me about one of our *49sister states: "You can - find precedent there on both sides of every question."
While I join in today's decision because I regard the other evidence of Stark's guilt as overwhelming, I think the majority's decision leaves the trial bench and the bar completely at sea on the requirements for admission of a photograph under the "silent witness" rule. The next time a photograph is offered, should the trial judge require proof of chain of custody or not?