State v. Johnson
New Mexico Supreme Court
123 N.M. 640, 944 P.2d 869 (1997)
- Written by Rich Walter, JD
Facts
The State of New Mexico (plaintiff) prosecuted Richard Leonard Johnson (defendant) for raping two women. At trial, Johnson proffered evidence that the women had a history of working as prostitutes. Johnson argued that the probative value of that evidence outweighed the effect it might have in prejudicing jurors against the women. However, Johnson did not explain how the evidence was relevant or why its probative value was so great as to justify its admission. The judge excluded the proffered evidence and the jury convicted Johnson. On appeal, the appellate court reversed his conviction. The appellate court inferred from portions of the trial record that Johnson would have used the evidence to suggest that the women had motives for fabricating the rape charge. The state appealed to the Supreme Court of New Mexico.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Minzner, J.)
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