United States v. Snyder
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
189 F.3d 640 (1999)

- Written by Rich Walter, JD
Facts
The United States government (plaintiff) successfully prosecuted James W. Snyder (defendant) on child pornography charges. The eleven-year-old victim, Michael Doe, made several statements in his testimony that Snyder showed were false during cross examination. In appealing his conviction to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Snyder argued the trial judge erred in refusing his request that Michael undergo psychological testing to determine his competency. Snyder pointed to Michael's false statements and said Michael could not distinguish truth from falsehood. Snyder also contended that Michael's testimony could have been tainted by Michael's antidepressant medication.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Bauer, J.)
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