What is the test for corroborating evidence in a sexual assault case?
California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Humphrey, C052744, Super. Ct. No. 02F02888 (Cal. App. 2011):
Corroborating evidence "'is sufficient if it tends to connect the defendant with the commission of the crime in such a way as may reasonably satisfy the jury that the accomplice is telling the truth.'" (People v. Lewis (2001) 26 Cal.4th 334, 370.) Both requirements must be met. The corroborative evidence must both connect the defendant with the crime and satisfy the jury of the accomplice's veracity. (People v. MacEwing (1955) 45 Cal.2d 218.)
Independent corroborating evidence "'"is sufficient if it does not require interpretation and direction from the testimony of the accomplice yet tends to connect the defendant with the commission of the offense in such a way as reasonably may satisfy a jury that the accomplice is telling the truth."'" (People v. Davis (2005) 36 Cal.4th 510, 543, italics omitted.) Defendant argues the evidence offered as corroboration did not
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