Crawford v. Washington
United States Supreme Court
541 U.S. 36 (2004)
- Written by Sarah Venti, JD
Facts
Crawford (defendant) was charged with assault and attempted murder after stabbing a man who allegedly tried to rape his wife, Sylvia. At trial, the prosecution sought to introduce into evidence a recorded statement by Sylvia describing the stabbing to police. The trial court allowed the tape to be played for the jury and convicted Crawford. Sylvia was unavailable to testify at trial because of the state marital privilege. The Washington Court of Appeals reversed, holding that the taped statement violated Crawford’s Sixth Amendment confrontation right and did not bear any guarantees of trustworthiness as were required under Ohio v. Roberts, 448 U.S. 56 (1980). The Washington Supreme Court reversed, agreeing with the trial court that the statement bore guarantees of trustworthiness and reinstating the conviction. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Scalia, J.)
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