What is the test for cross-examining a witness in a sexual assault case?
The following excerpt is from People v. Corby, 6 N.Y.3d 231, 844 N.E.2d 1135 (N.Y. 2005):
The Sixth Amendment to the Federal Constitution provides that, "[i]n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right . . . to be confronted with the witnesses against him." This procedural guarantee applies to both federal and state criminal prosecutions (see Pointer v. Texas, 380 U.S. 400, 85 S.Ct. 1065, 13 L.Ed.2d 923 [1965]). While the purpose of this right is to ensure that defendant has the opportunity to cross-examine his
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or her accuser, trial courts may, under certain circumstances, impose limits on defense counsel's inquiry into the potential bias of a witness for the prosecution. In Delaware v. Van Arsdall, 475 U.S. 673, 679, 106 S.Ct. 1431, 89 L.Ed.2d 674 [1986], the United States Supreme Court stated:
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