Does the absence of motive evidence change the result of a murder trial?
California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Hurtado, 2d Crim. No. B271115 (Cal. App. 2017):
But even had the trial court erred, Hurtado has not shown a reasonable probability that the absence of the motive evidence would change the result. (People v. Watson (1956) 46 Cal.2d 818, 836.) The People's evidence was strong and the evidence of guilt was overwhelming. Three eyewitnesses identified Hurtado at trial. There was surveillance video evidence. Hurtado did not testify or call witnesses in a defense case.
"The most advanced legal research software ever built."
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.
Other Questions
Does Defendant have a reciprocal obligation to disclose all relevant evidence obtained before trial, including rebuttal evidence it intends to use at trial? (California, United States of America)
How have the courts interpreted evidence in the context of evidence in a murder trial where a detective testified that he did not know the identity of the alleged shooter? (California, United States of America)
What are the principles of a motion for a new trial where a witness in a murder trial later dies before the trial has even begun? (California, United States of America)
When a defendant makes a mid-trial motion to revoke his self represented status and have standby counsel appointed for the remainder of the trial, does the trial court have a duty to manage the trial? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for a reversal of evidence on insufficiency of Page 6 evidence in a murder trial? (California, United States of America)
Is there any evidence that bringing defendant to trial more expediently would have changed the result? (California, United States of America)
In what circumstances of the crime scene evidence will be admitted during the penalty phase of a penalty trial, does the trial court error not to exclude the evidence? (California, United States of America)
What evidence has been presented to a jury in a murder trial of a convicted murderer with a history of violence? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for evidence of motive in a murder trial? (California, United States of America)
Can a defense appeal a finding of absence from trial where the issue of absence was not presented to the trial court? (California, United States of America)
