People v. Bowman
California Court of Appeal
2014 WL 718416 (2014)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
James Bowman (defendant) was tried for murder. Dr. Arthur Kowell, a neurologist, examined Bowman prior to trial. This examination included a positron-emission tomography (PET) scan, which revealed decreased functioning of the temporal lobes of Bowman’s brain. Kowell stated that this result was indicative of hypometabolism, a condition consistent with decreased impulse control. However, Kowell could not diagnose a disorder based on this information. Kowell also acknowledged that he knew of no literature indicating general scientific acceptance of PET scans as a means of inferring diagnoses, that hypometabolism did not guarantee decreased impulse control, that the results of a PET scan could not be extrapolated to days before or after the scan was administered, and that factors such as depression and medication also affected temporal-lobe activity. The trial judge found that PET-scan evidence was too scientifically uncertain to be admitted under California’s modified version of the Frye standard. Bowman was found guilty. Bowman appealed, arguing in part that the PET-scan results should have been admitted. The California Court of Appeal granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Klein, J.)
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