CALIFORNIA EVIDENCE: CIVIL AND CRIMINAL
...Method of Exam: Cross-Exam
......Testing Credibility of Witness
.........Case Applications: Criminal
............Credibility Attack Not Permitted
8 Cards On This Topic:

Testifying D may not be impeached at trial with stmts he made before trial to mental health professionals during court-ordered competency exam as such impeachment violates privilege against self-incrimination.

Trial court may impose reasonable limits on defense's cross-examining expert witness based on newspaper articles re nature of charges pending against him.

D not permitted to ask alleged rape V re prior belated rape complaint; complaint only relevant if false and insufficient evidence of falseness to allow speculative questioning.

Evidence that witness was a prostitute properly excluded.

D's 6th Amend. right not violated when he was prohibited from cross-examining V about her website, content of which was not relevant and defense counsel had ample opportunity to cross-examine V and challenge credibility.

Neither cooperating with prosecution nor taking actions to establish own credibility show bias on behalf of DA's witness.

May not cross-examine DA witness about possible former illegal activities where no indication that witness being investigated.

May not compel witnesses to undergo psychiatric examination to determine credibility.