What is the current state of the law on cross-examination?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Fields, C081467 (Cal. App. 2020):

examination designed to show a prototypical form of bias on the part of the witness, and thereby, 'to expose to the jury the facts from which jurors . . . could appropriately draw inferences relating to the reliability of the witness.' " [Citations.] However, not every restriction on a defendant's desired method of cross-examination is a constitutional violation. Within the confines of the confrontation clause, the trial court retains wide latitude in restricting cross-examination that is repetitive, prejudicial, confusing of the issues, or of marginal relevance. [Citations.] California law is in accord. [Citation.] Thus, unless the defendant can show that the prohibited cross-examination would have produced "a significantly different impression of [the witnesses'] credibility" [citation], the trial court's exercise of its discretion in this regard does not violate the Sixth Amendment.' " (People v. Virgil (2011) 51 Cal.4th 1210, 1251.)

Other Questions


What is the current state's position on whether the First Amendment applies to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment due process clause? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state or federal or state law on warrantless vehicle searches for identification? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on misconduct when a prosecutor makes a closing argument stating facts that are not in evidence? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on surveillance by the police state? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the federal and state constitutions governing the trial of a criminal defendant who is mentally incompetent? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on "cruel and unusual punishments" under the Eighth Amendment of the United States? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on the Miranda privilege? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on the test for credibility of a psychologist's testimony in a sexual assault case? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on "random stops" in public places? (California, United States of America)
What is the current state of the law on the forfeiture of a claim of error at the Court of Appeal? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.