Court Opinion

ID: 9467263
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 01:43:32.691949+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:40:15.654458
License: Public Domain

WIDENER, Circuit Judge,
dissenting:
I respectfully dissent and would grant a new trial.
Assuming that the evidence of other acts is admissible for one purpose or another, and I think, after United States v. Woods, 484 F.2d 127 (4th Cir. 1973), even taking into consideration the later advent of the new rules, the admissibility of such evidence is pretty well entrusted in this circuit to the almost uncontrolled discretion of the trial judge, Pemberton’s most damning testimony is not considered by the majority in its opinion.
Pemberton testified that Dr. Johnson had billed for specific services not rendered, and he ascertained that fact by asking the patients involved. Thus, the false billing he concluded Dr. Johnson had done was proved by statements other than those made by the declarant while testifying at a trial or hearing and offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted. This is hearsay pure and simple under FRE 801(c) and inadmissible under FRE 802, for it is not subject to any exception as to which I am advised.
An example follows:
“THE COURT:
Q. And then you checked with some of the patients?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. And found out that the services were not rendered?
A. In talking with the recipients, they stated that they had not received certain services which were billed by Dr. Johnson.”
Specific instances of conduct, whether offered to rebut a defense to the merits, as the majority treats it, or whether offered to rebut a defense of good character, I think may no more be proved by hearsay than any other essential fact in the case.
The testimony I have quoted is only a part of that introduced; other evidence is equally as inadmissible. It may only be considered highly prejudicial, and its admission should warrant a new trial.