United States v. Reme
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
738 F.2d 1156 (1984)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
Reme and Pierrot (defendants) were charged with illegally transporting Haitian nationals into the United States. Reme and Pierrot had arrived in the United States on a boat with approximately 87 other Haitians. Reme and Pierrot claimed that they were merely passengers on the boat and did not orchestrate the voyage. At trial, the prosecution (plaintiff) introduced the testimony, over Reme and Pierrot’s objection, of five passengers on the boat. The witnesses testified that Reme and Pierrot were in control of the boat, including driving, distributing food and water, and at times beating passengers. The witnesses also testified that Pierrot orchestrated a voodoo ceremony that led to the disappearance of two passengers Pierrot claimed had “black magic” that was slowing the boat’s progress. The district court permitted this testimony to rebut Reme and Pierrot’s claim that they were merely passengers on the boat. Reme and Pierrot were convicted, and they appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Godbold, J.)
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