Videotaped testimony serves as the functional equivalent of a live witness, and replaying it during jury deliberations may unduly emphasize the testimony and constitute an abuse of discretion.
A defendant convicted of child molestation appeals his conviction, arguing that the trial court erred by allowing the jury to replay the complaining witnesses' videotaped testimony during deliberations and by admitting expert testimony regarding the witnesses' ability to distinguish truth from falsehood. The court holds that videotaped testimony serves as the functional equivalent of a live witness, and allowing the jury to replay it during deliberations unduly emphasizes the testimony and constitutes an abuse of discretion. Furthermore, admitting expert testimony that specifically asserts the witnesses' ability to discern truth from fantasy improperly usurps the jury's role in determining credibility. The conviction is reversed.
At page 602 Excluding expert testimony on witness credibility52 citing casesholding that expert witness testi- mony was impermissible when it “in effect . . . impermissibly . . . asked [the jury] to accept an expert’s determination that these particular witnesses were truthful” because “[i]t is the jurors’ responsibility to determine credibility by assessing the witnesses…
- United States v. Sharon Ann Rahm, 993 F.2d 1405 (9th Cir. 1993).published (distinguishing general testimony on problems common to all children from specific testimony regarding credibility of specific child witnesses)
- (HC) Dias v. Fisher, No. 2:20-cv-00410 (E.D. Cal. Sept. 17, 2021).(The testimony of the experts... 20 was not limited to references to psychological literature or experience or to a discussion of a class 21 of victims generally. Rather the experts testified that these particular child…)
- Terence Tekoh v. Cnty. of Los Angeles, 91 F.4th 997 (9th Cir. 2024).published(stating that expert testimony on witness credibility improperly invades the province of the jury)
- (PC) King v. Biter, No. 1:15-cv-00414 (E.D. Cal. Feb. 23, 2023). Evid. 704(a), expert testimony should 24 nonetheless be excluded “if it concerns a subject improper for expert testimony, for example, one 25 that invades the province of the jury.” United States v. Lukashov, 694 F.3d 1107, 1116 (9th Cir.…
- Jun Yu v. Idaho State Univ., 15 F.4th 1236 (9th Cir. 2021).publishedSimilarly, we have held that a district court erred in permitting a psychological expert to testify “that the complaining witnesses were able to distinguish reality from fantasy and truth from falsehood” because the effect of the testimony…
- Vahora v. Valley Diagnostics Lab'y Inc., No. 1:16-cv-01624 (E.D. Cal. Nov. 13, 2019).Thus, Flores’ testimony at trial and his later attempt to collect from Defendants the money 28 1 2 disposition of the case.” See Jones, 921 F.2d at 878 . 3 Because the jury had sufficient evidence to weigh Flores’ testimony and decide whet…
- United States v. Leroy Charles, 691 F. App'x 367 (9th Cir. 2017).unpublishedContrary to Charles’s characterization, the expert did not testify about what the jury should “rely on” or “believe,” or about what factors indicate that a victim’s disclosure is “true” or “accurate.” See United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d…
- United States v. Perry Nation, 543 F. App'x 677 (9th Cir. 2013).unpublished(reversing where expert witness testimony sought to establish that “the complaining witnesses were able to distinguish reality from fantasy and truth from falsehood” and was “not limited to ... a discussion of a class of…)
- United States v. Arlyn Castro, 542 F. App'x 599 (9th Cir. 2013).unpublishedUnited States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 602 (9th Cir.1985), overruled on other grounds by United States v. Morales, 108 F.3d 1031 , 1035 n. 1 (9th Cir.1997) (en banc).
- Demetrulias v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., 917 F. Supp. 2d 993 (D. Ariz. 2013).published(Doc. 117 ¶ 387.) “Expert witnesses may testify if they are qualified and if their testimony will assist the trier of fact in understanding the evidence or determining a fact in issue.” United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 602 (9th Cir.1…
Show 39 more citing cases
- United States v. Alexander Lukashov, Jr., 694 F.3d 1107 (9th Cir. 2012).published Expert testimony should be excluded “if it concerns a subject improper for expert testimony, for example, one that invades the province of the jury.” United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 602 (9th Cir.1985), overruled on other grounds by…
- Fleischman v. Albany Med. Ctr., 728 F. Supp. 2d 130 (N.D.N.Y. 2010).publishedCo., 882 F.2d 705, 708 (1989); see McGowan v. Cooper Indus., Inc., 863 F.2d 1266, 1272 (6th Cir. 1988); Scott v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 789 F.2d 1052, 1055-56 (4th Cir.1986); United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 602 (9th Cir.1985); Strong…
- United States v. Sine, 493 F.3d 1021 (9th Cir. 2007).published (holding that expert witness testimony was impermissible when it “in effect ... impermissi-bly ... asked [the jury] to accept an expert’s determination that these particular witnesses were truthful” because “[i]t is the…)
- United States v. Sine, No. 05-10575 (9th Cir. July 16, 2007).published (holding that expert witness testi- mony was impermissible when it “in effect . . . impermissibly . . . asked [the jury] to accept an expert’s determination that these particular witnesses were truthful” because “[i]t is…)
- United States v. Sine, 483 F.3d 990 (9th Cir. 2007).published (holding that expert witness testimony was impermissible when it “in effect ... impermissibly ... asked [the jury] to accept an expert’s determination that these particular witnesses were truthful” because “[i]t is the j…)
- Hobgood v. State, 549 U.S. 1118 (2006).publishedToledo, 985 F.2d at 1470 (citing United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 602 (9th Cir.1985)); Goodson, 566 So.2d at 1153 (under Rule 702 experts called to testify about behavioral characteristics that may affect an alleged victim's credibil…
- State v. Koontz, 145 Wash. 2d 650 (Wash. 2002).publishedUnited States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 602 (9th Cir. 1985).
- UNITED STATES of Am., Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Charles J. SANCHEZ, Jr., Defendant-Appellant, 176 F.3d 1214 (9th Cir. 1999).publishedWe noted that “[t]his court has already held that opinion evidence regarding a witness’ credibility is inadmissible.” Id. (citing United States v. Awkard, 597 F.2d 667, 671 (9th Cir.1979) and United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 602 (9th…
- UNITED STATES of Am., Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Gabriel SANCHEZ-LIMA, Defendant-Appellant, 161 F.3d 545 (9th Cir. 1998).published “It is the jurors’ responsibility to determine credibility by assessing the witnesses and witness testimony in light of their own experience.” United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 602 (9th Cir.1985).
- Schutz v. State, 957 S.W.2d 52 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997).published State v. Oliver, 188 Ga.App. 47 , 372 S.E.2d 256 , 260 & 260 n. 2 (1988, cert.denied)(Expert may testify about ability of children of a certain age to distinguish truth from falsity but not about a particular child's ability to do so; poss…
- State v. Floray, 715 A.2d 855 (Del. Super. Ct. 1997).publishedSee, United States v. Scop, 2d Cir., 846 F.2d 135, 142 (1988); United States v. Binder, 9th Cir., 769 F.2d 595, 602 (1985). 46 .
- United States v. Verl Hadley, 918 F.2d 848 (9th Cir. 1990).published
- Hoult v. Hoult, 57 F.3d 1 (1st Cir. 1995).published
- United States v. Charles Langford, 802 F.2d 1176 (9th Cir. 1986).published
- United States v. Diane Candoli, 870 F.2d 496 (9th Cir. 1989).published
- United States v. Susan Alexis Komisaruk, 874 F.2d 686 (9th Cir. 1989).published
- Frank Andrews v. Metro North Commuter R.R. Co., Penn Cent. Corp., Consol. Rail Corp., Nat'l R.R. Passenger Corp., 882 F.2d 705 (2d Cir. 1989).published
- United States v. Susan Alexis Komisaruk, 885 F.2d 490 (9th Cir. 1989).published
- United States v. Kenneth Barker, 930 F.2d 1408 (9th Cir. 1991).published
- United States v. Kenneth Barker, 942 F.2d 585 (9th Cir. 1991).published
- United States v. Richie C. Strem, 959 F.2d 243 (9th Cir. 1992).unpublished
- The People of the Territory of Guam v. Genaro Sitson Vitug, 974 F.2d 1343 (9th Cir. 1992).unpublished
- United States v. Joey Toledo A/K/A Joey Toreneda, 985 F.2d 1462 (10th Cir. 1993).published
- United States v. Ramon Gonzalez-Garcia, 988 F.2d 123 (9th Cir. 1993).unpublished
- United States v. Daniel Rivera, 43 F.3d 1291 (9th Cir. 1995).published
- United States v. Melesio Noriega-Lopez Noel Guerrero-Rodriguez Mario Cardenas-Leon Rodrigo Corrales-Ponce & Juan De Santiago-Valle, 47 F.3d 1177 (9th Cir. 1995).unpublished
- United States v. Allan Edward Woodbridge, 52 F.3d 336 (9th Cir. 1995).unpublished
- J.J.J. v. State, 782 P.2d 944 (Okla. Crim. App. 1989).published
- McCarty v. State, 765 P.2d 1215 (Okla. Crim. App. 1988).published
- State v. Edward Charles L., 398 S.E.2d 123 (W. Va. 1990).published
- State v. Heath, 341 S.E.2d 565 (N.C. 1986).published
- State v. Rimmasch, 775 P.2d 388 (Utah 1989).published
- Lawrence v. State, 796 P.2d 1176 (Okla. Crim. App. 1990).published
- Powell v. State, 527 A.2d 276 (Del. 1987).published
- State v. Gokey, 574 A.2d 766 (Vt. 1990).published
- United States v. Jarrett James, No. 20-10122 (9th Cir. Sept. 3, 2021).unpublished
- Raygarr LLC v. Employers Mut. Cas. Co., No. 4:18-cv-00246 (D. Ariz. Feb. 26, 2020).
- Kass v. Cnty. of Alameda, No. 3:18-cv-01302 (N.D. Cal. Aug. 3, 2021).
- Wright v. Honeywell Int'l, Inc., No. 3:22-cv-00928, 2024 WL 2963460 (M.D. La. June 12, 2024).
At page 600 Review of statutory interpretation and sentencing under federal law48 citing cases“serves as the functional equivalent of a live witness”
- United States v. Richard, 504 F.3d 1109 (9th Cir. 2007).published We review a district court's decision to replay (or reread) witness testimony during jury deliberations for an abuse of discretion. [7] United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985), overruled in part on other grounds by United…
- State Of Washington, Resp. v. Marcel Sampson, App., No. 73805-4 (Wash. Ct. App. May 22, 2017).unpublishedAnd, it was inconsequential given that Sampson himself 6 Sampson also cites United States v. Binder, where child credibility was also at issue. 769 F.2d 595, 600-01 (9th Cir. 1985), overruled on other grounds la United States v. Morales, 1…
- People v. Jefferson, 2017 CO 35, 393 P.3d 493.published (noting that videotaped testimony “serves as the functional equivalent of a live witness)
- Martinez v. People, 2017 CO 36, 393 P.3d 557.published United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir. 1985), overruled in part on other grounds by United States v. Morales, 108 F.3d 1031 , 1035 n.1 (9th Cir. 1997); see also Frasco, 165 P.3d at 705 (“[S]ome kinds of exhibits obviously hav…
- State v. Darien Weston (073032), 118 A.3d 331 (N.J. 2015).published“The video recording is the functional equivalent of a live witness and can be particularly persuasive.” Ibid, (citing United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985)).
- United States v. Evanston, 651 F.3d 1080 (9th Cir. 2011).publishedFor example, when responding to jury questions or requests during deliberations, every effort must be undertaken to avoid influencing or coercing a jury to reach one verdict over anoth *1085 er. 6 See, e.g., Nickell, 883 F.2d at 829 (“In d…
- State v. Burr, 948 A.2d 627 (N.J. 2008).published Ibid. (quoting United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600-01 (9th Cir.1985)).
- State v. Efrain M., 899 A.2d 50 (Conn. App. Ct. 2006).publishedIn United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600-601 (9th Cir. 1985), overruled on other grounds by United States v. Morales, 108 F.3d 1031 , 1035 n.1 (9th Cir. 1997), the alleged victims of the defendant’s molestation, aged five and seven, t…
- United States v. Trigueras, 71 F. App'x 627 (9th Cir. 2003).unpublishedIn light of the “particular facts and circumstances of [this] case,” United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985), overruled in part on other grounds by United States v. Morales, 108 F.3d 1031 (9th Cir.1997), and the other evi…
- 98 Cal. Daily Op. Serv. 5379, 98 Daily Journal D.A.R. 7551 United States of Am. v. Bernard Vincent Montgomery, United States of Am. v. Lloyd Raymond Buxton, 150 F.3d 983 (9th Cir. 1998).publishedThe decision to allow the jury to read transcripts in the jury room is "dependent on the particular facts and circumstances of the case." United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985). 104 We have previously acknowledged the po…
Show 36 more citing cases
- United States v. Montgomery, 150 F.3d 983 (9th Cir. 1998).publishedThe decision to allow the jury to read transcripts in the jury room is “dependent on the particular facts and circumstances of the case.” United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985).
- United States v. Michael Hyde, 116 F.3d 486 (9th Cir. 1997).unpublishedAn assessment of whether rereading of testimony would unduly emphasize that testimony "must be based on particular facts and circumstances of the case." United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985). 4 Hyde claims that in faili…
- State v. Gould, 695 A.2d 1022 (Conn. 1997).publishedThese cases emphasize, and we agree, that the decision whether to replay videotaped testimony “must be based on particular facts and circumstances of the case.” United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir. 1985).
- United States v. Jose Jesse Ramirez, 112 F.3d 518 (9th Cir. 1997).unpublishedUndue emphasis of particular testimony should not be permitted." United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985).
- UNITED STATES of Am., Plaintiff-Appellee, v. James K. KANEAKUA, Defendant-Appellant, 105 F.3d 463 (9th Cir. 1997).published(state mandatory minimum sentence applies under ACA)
- United States v. Herman Phillip Sheets, Jr., 101 F.3d 706 (9th Cir. 1996).unpublishedUnited States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985).
- United States v. Tagalicud, 84 F.3d 1180 (9th Cir. 1996).publishedJust as undue emphasis of particular testimony should not be permitted during jury deliberations, see United States v. Sacco, 869 F.2d 499, 501 (9th Cir.1989), and United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985), so the jury inst…
- United States v. Lloyd George Kenney, 789 F.2d 783 (9th Cir. 1986).published
- Diamond Fruit Growers, Inc., an Oregon Corp. v. Krack Corp., an Illinois Corp., Defendant/third-Party v. Metal-Matic, Inc., a Minnesota Corp., Third-Party, 794 F.2d 1440 (3d Cir. 1986).published
- United States v. Christopher D. Wilmer, 799 F.2d 495 (9th Cir. 1986).published
- United States v. Carl L. Poschwatta, 829 F.2d 1477 (9th Cir. 1987).published
- United States v. Billy Lee Kaufman, 862 F.2d 236 (9th Cir. 1989).published
- United States v. Francisco Sacco, 869 F.2d 499 (9th Cir. 1989).published
- United States v. Thomas Johnston, 876 F.2d 589 (7th Cir. 1989).published
- United States v. Stella Maudine Nickell, 883 F.2d 824 (9th Cir. 1989).published
- United States v. Ramirez, 886 F.2d 1320 (9th Cir. 1989).unpublished
- United States v. Gerard Gary Garcia, 893 F.2d 250 (10th Cir. 1989).published
- United States v. Avinell Leake, 908 F.2d 550 (9th Cir. 1990).published
- United States v. Hugo Rincon, 984 F.2d 1003 (9th Cir. 1993).published
- United States v. Gregory Richard Barker, 988 F.2d 77 (9th Cir. 1993).published
- United States v. George Drucker, 26 F.3d 133 (9th Cir. 1994).unpublished
- United States of Am., Plaintiff-Appellee/cross-Appellant v. Edward Harry Weekley, Defendant-Appellant/cross-Appellee, 26 F.3d 135 (9th Cir. 1994).unpublished
- United States v. James Robert Hernandez, 27 F.3d 1403 (9th Cir. 1994).published
- United States v. Hugo Rincon, 28 F.3d 921 (9th Cir. 1994).published
- United States v. Gregory McFarland, 35 F.3d 572 (9th Cir. 1994).unpublished
- UNITED STATES of Am., Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Massoud NOUSHFAR; Zohreh Shayesteh & Kamran Shayesteh, Defendants-Appellants, 78 F.3d 1442 (9th Cir. 1996).published
- 96 Cal. Daily Op. Serv. 3785, 96 Daily Journal D.A.R. 6140 United States of Am. v. Linda Agbayani Tagalicud, United States of Am. v. Francisco Agustin Tagalicud, United States of Am. v. Michael Kauilani Hose, United States of Am. v. Tarcila Tagalicud Hose, 84 F.3d 1180 (9th Cir. 1996).published
- Schmunk v. State, 714 P.2d 724 (Wyo. 1986).published
- Chambers v. State, 726 P.2d 1269 (Wyo. 1986).published
- State v. Washington, 725 N.W.2d 125 (Minn. Ct. App. 2006).published
- United States v. Parades, 751 F. Supp. 1288 (N.D. Ill. 1990).published
- State v. Michaels, 625 A.2d 489 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 1993).published
- People v. DeBella, 219 P.3d 390 (Colo. Ct. App. 2009).published
- Rael v. People, 2017 CO 67, 395 P.3d 772.published
- State v. A.R., 65 A.3d 818 (N.J. 2013).published
- Diamond Fruit Growers, Inc. v. Krack Corp., 794 F.2d 1440 (9th Cir. 1986).published
At page 601 Reviewing trial court discretion on testimony admission19 citing cases“allowed the repetition of the government's case against binder.”
- United States v. Richard, 504 F.3d 1109 (9th Cir. 2007).published We review a district court's decision to replay (or reread) witness testimony during jury deliberations for an abuse of discretion. [7] United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985), overruled in part on other grounds by United…
- State v. Anderson, 2006 WI 77, 717 N.W.2d 74.published Cf. Kohlhoff, 85 Wis.2d at 160 , 270 N.W.2d 63 (conferences pertaining to judge-jury communications in response to juror questions "should be transcribed"). [73] Cf. Burton, 112 Wis.2d at 571-72 , 334 N.W.2d 263 (ex parte jury communicatio…
- Mulitauaopele v. Am. Samoa Gov't, 7 Am. Samoa 3d 32 (2003).published(erroneous admission of expert testimony is reversible when it more probably than not materially affected the verdict)
- United States v. Betancourt-Betancourt, 39 F. App'x 483 (9th Cir. 2001).unpublishedUnited States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 601-02 (9th Cir.1985).
- United States v. Keith Steven Young, United States of Am. v. Edelmiro Tamez, Jr., 89 F.3d 848 (9th Cir. 1996).unpublishedId.; United States v. Hernandez, 27 F.3d 1403, 1408 (9th Cir.1994), cert. denied, 115 S.Ct. 1147 (1995); United States v. Barker, 988 F.2d 77, 80 (9th Cir.1993). 18 Defendants' reliance on United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 601 (9th Ci…
- State v. Michaels, 625 A.2d 489 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 1993).published
- United States v. Alion Andersson, United States of Am. v. Charles W. Hinck, 813 F.2d 1450 (9th Cir. 1987).published
- United States v. Lawrence Lewis, Jr., 837 F.2d 415 (9th Cir. 1988).published
- United States v. Walter D. Brodie, United States of Am. v. Nancy A. Brodie, 858 F.2d 492 (9th Cir. 1988).published
- The People of the Territory of Guam v. John N. Reyes, 879 F.2d 646 (9th Cir. 1989).published
Show 9 more citing cases
- United States v. Eric K. Dorotich, 900 F.2d 192 (9th Cir. 1990).published
- United States v. Alvaro Julio Echavarria-Olarte, 904 F.2d 1391 (9th Cir. 1990).published
- United States v. Verl Hadley, 918 F.2d 848 (9th Cir. 1990).published
- United States v. Joel Jennings, 960 F.2d 153 (9th Cir. 1992).unpublished
- United States v. Delbert George Lee, 967 F.2d 594 (9th Cir. 1992).unpublished
- United States v. Ernesto Antone, Sr., 981 F.2d 1059 (9th Cir. 1992).published
- United States v. Nazareth Andonian, Vahe Andonian, Ruben Saini, Raul Vivas, & Juan Carlos Seresi, 29 F.3d 634 (9th Cir. 1994).unpublished
- United States v. Ronald Lee Butterfly Mary Carmalita Butterfly, 72 F.3d 136 (9th Cir. 1995).unpublished
- United States v. Timothy Alexander, 76 F.3d 388 (9th Cir. 1996).unpublished
At page 599 Determining validity of miranda waiver through totality of circumstances8 citing casesA signed waiver form is only one factor to be considered” in determining whether there has been a valid waiver
- United States v. Bernard S., 795 F.2d 749 (9th Cir. 1986).published (A signed waiver form is only one factor to be considered” in determining whether there has been a valid waiver)
- United States v. Hilario Ortiz-Calderon, No. 17-30044 (9th Cir. June 26, 2018).unpublishedStatements made by a defendant in custody are admissible only if the defendant’s waiver of his Miranda rights was “voluntary, knowing, and intelligent.” United States v. Garibay, 143 F.3d 534, 536 (9th Cir. 1998) (quoting United States v.…
- United States v. Rodney Belvado, 359 F. App'x 854 (9th Cir. 2009).unpublished“For inculpatory statements made by a defendant during custodial interrogation to be admissible in evidence, the defendant’s ‘waiver of Miranda rights must be voluntary, knowing, and intelligent.’ ” United States v. Garibay, 143 F.3d 534,…
- UNITED STATES of Am., Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Jose Rosario GARIBAY, Jr., Defendant-Appellant, 143 F.3d 534 (9th Cir. 1998).publishedRequirements of a Valid Waiver For inculpatory statements made by a defendant during custodial interrogation to be admissible in evidence, the defendant’s “waiver of Miranda rights must be voluntary, knowing, and intelligent.” United State…
- United States v. Daniel Raymond Alderdyce, 787 F.2d 1365 (9th Cir. 1986).published
- Allen Bernard Gooden v. Charles D. Marshall, Warden, 76 F.3d 386 (9th Cir. 1996).unpublished
- United States v. Bramble, 894 F. Supp. 1384 (D. Haw. 1995).published
- United States v. Baker, 888 F. Supp. 1521 (D. Haw. 1995).published
At page 598 Reviewing jurisdiction and evidence in sexual assault cases8 citing cases“none of the other witnesses corroborated the specific allegations of the children,”
- United States v. Bernard S., 795 F.2d 749 (9th Cir. 1986).published Butler, 441 U.S. at 373 , 99 S.Ct. at 1757 ; United States v. Skinner, 667 F.2d 1306, 1309 (9th Cir.1982), cert. denied, 463 U.S. 1229 , 103 S.Ct. 3569 , 77 L.Ed.2d 1410 (1983); but cf. Binder, 769 F.2d at 599 (“A signed waiver form is onl…
- United States v. Richard, 504 F.3d 1109 (9th Cir. 2007).published We review a district court's decision to replay (or reread) witness testimony during jury deliberations for an abuse of discretion. [7] United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985), overruled in part on other grounds by United…
- United States v. Guillermo Vallejo, 237 F.3d 1008 (9th Cir. 2001).publishedUnited States v. Garibay, 143 F.3d 534, 536 (9th Cir.1998) (determinations that a defendant knowingly and intelligently waived his Miranda rights are reviewed for clear error); United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 598 (9th Cir.1985) (sam…
- Martin R. Bryan v. Warden, Indiana State Reformatory, 820 F.2d 217 (7th Cir. 1987).published
- Robert L. Derrick v. R.S. Peterson, Superintendent, Oregon State Corr. Inst., 924 F.2d 813 (9th Cir. 1991).published
- United States v. Hung Khac PHAM, 815 F. Supp. 1325 (N.D. Cal. 1993).published
- United States v. Brooks, 64 F. App'x 641 (9th Cir. 2003).unpublished
At page 603 Replaying videotaped testimony in jury deliberations3 citing casesexperts testified that the children in the case who were allegedly abused could be believed
- United States v. Richard, 504 F.3d 1109 (9th Cir. 2007).published We review a district court's decision to replay (or reread) witness testimony during jury deliberations for an abuse of discretion. [7] United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985), overruled in part on other grounds by United…
- UNITED STATES of Am., Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Charles BIGHEAD, Defendant-Appellant, 128 F.3d 1329 (9th Cir. 1997).published (experts testified that the children in the case who were allegedly abused could be believed)
At page 604 Discretion in replaying videotaped testimony to jury3 citing casesWallace, J., dissenting
- United States v. Richard, 504 F.3d 1109 (9th Cir. 2007).published We review a district court's decision to replay (or reread) witness testimony during jury deliberations for an abuse of discretion. [7] United States v. Binder, 769 F.2d 595, 600 (9th Cir.1985), overruled in part on other grounds by United…
- United States v. Derrick Leonard Willis, 986 F.2d 1423 (6th Cir. 1993).unpublished
v.
Mark Kevin BINDER, Defendant-Appellant
Reporter's Syllabus editorial summary, not part of the Court's opinion
Jon Rick Cooper, Asst. U.S. Atty., Tucson, Ariz., for plaintiff-appellee.
Francisco Leon, Tucson, Ariz., for defendant-appellant.
Appeal from the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.
Before WALLACE, HUG, and SKOPIL, Circuit Judges.
SKOPIL, Circuit Judge:
Lead Opinion
Mark Kevin Binder appeals from his conviction under Arizona statutes on four counts of child molestation and sexual conduct with a minor. Binder claims that the district court erred by: (1) admitting his post-indictment, post-arrest statements in violation of his rights under the fifth and sixth amendments and Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(a); (2) determining that it was bound to apply the state statu-
[*598] tory minimum sentence; (3) allowing the jury to replay the complaining witnesses’ videotaped testimony; and (4) admitting expert psychological and psychiatric testimony that the complaining witnesses could distinguish truth from falsehood. The district court had jurisdiction pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1152, which applies federal jurisdiction to crimes committed by non-Indians against Indians on Indian land. We reverse.
FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW
Binder was convicted under Ariz.Rev. Stat.Ann. §§ 13-303.A.2, 13-1405 and 13-1410 (1984) of four counts of child molestation and sexual conduct with a minor. The complaining witnesses were a five and seven year-old sister and brother, Vanessa and Joseph Molina, who lived temporarily with Binder and his mother, a missionary who operated a crisis center. The prosecutor called seven witnesses in addition to the two children. A seventeen year-old girl, Lorraine Wichapa, who had resided as a ward with the Binders when she was sixteen, testified to alleged instances of sexual advances by Binder similar to those charged by the children. The prosecutor introduced this evidence to show that Binder’s alleged molestation of the children was not accidental. Additional testimony, including evidence of affectionate letters between Binder and herself, cast doubt on Ms. Wichapa’s credibility. Joseph Molina’s teacher, who was also a neighbor of the Binders, was called to establish association between Binder and the children. Two psychologists and a psychiatrist testified concerning their examinations of the children after their complaints. A court counselor described her supervision of the children’s placement with the Binders. Finally, an FBI agent described the investigation and arrest of Binder. None of the witnesses corroborated the specific allegations of the children regarding Binder’s sexual advances.
Prior to trial, Binder moved to suppress post-arrest statements. He also opposed expert psychological and psychiatric trial testimony concerning the children’s ability to distinguish truth from falsehood and reality from fantasy. The court denied the motion to suppress and allowed the expert testimony.
The trial court found the children competent to testify. To relieve their apprehensiveness about appearing in court, the trial judge and the parties agreed to substitute the children’s videotaped testimony for their live testimony.
During deliberations, the jury requested permission to replay in the jury room the videotaped testimony of the children. After argument in chambers, the court granted the jury’s request. The defendant was not present during the in-chambers proceedings or the playing of the tape. During the replay of the videotape, the jury asked to skip preliminary portions of the tape and to selectively replay the tape. The court granted the first request and denied the second. Both communications between the judge and jury occurred without consulting counsel or the defendant.
Several hours after the replay, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all four counts. Binder was sentenced to four concurrent seven-year sentences, the presumptive minimum under Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. §§ 13-701.B.1, 13-1405.B, and 13-1410 (1984), with parole eligibility to be determined under federal law. This appeal followed.
DISCUSSION
1. Admission of Binder’s Statements.
A. Standard of Review
A determination that a defendant knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived Miranda rights is reversible only if clearly erroneous. United States v. Glover, 596 F.2d 857, 865 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 860, 100 S.Ct. 124, 62 L.Ed.2d 81 (1979). The waiver of legal rights following Miranda warnings also constitutes a waiver of those rights under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5. United States v. Indian Boy X, 565 F.2d 585, 591 (9th Cir.1977), cert. denied, 439[*599] U.S. 841, 99 S.Ct. 131, 58 L.Ed.2d 139 (1978).
B. Merits
For a confession obtained during custodial interrogation to be admissible, any waiver of Miranda rights must be voluntary, knowing, and intelligent. Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 479, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 1630, 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). A valid waiver depends upon the totality of the circumstances including the back: ground, experience, and conduct of defendant. North Carolina v. Butler, 441 U.S. 369, 374-75, 99 S.Ct. 1755, 1757-58, 60 L.Ed.2d 286 (1979) (citing Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 464, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 1023, 82 L.Ed. 1461 (1938)). A signed waiver form is only one factor to be considered. United States v. Nick, 604 F.2d 1199, 1201 (9th Cir.1979); United States v. Blocker, 354 F.Supp. 1195, 1198 & n. 11 (D.D.C. 1973), aff’d, 509 F.2d 538 (D.C.Cir.1975) (mem.). The prosecutor has the burden of showing a valid waiver. There is a presumption against waiver. North Carolina, 441 U.S. at 373, 99 S.Ct. at 1757.
Although Binder signed a waiver of rights form and stated that he did not want a lawyer to be present so long as he could stop answering questions at any time, he cites several factors that militate against finding waiver: (1) his lack of knowledge of the indictment process; (2) testimony of one of the arresting agents that Binder could not read; (3) coercion by a federal agent who told Binder that if he were willing to discuss the case then the agent would make a good report to the court; (4) the failure of the court to find that the waiver was knowing and intelligent; and (5) the psychologist’s testimony that Binder’s general knowledge was very low; that he was “borderline defective;” and that since he was operating with a “functional learning disability” he may have trouble assimilating Miranda information.
The trial court considered all factors militating against a finding of waiver, including the arresting agents’ and defendant’s testimony that the defendant could not read. Binder was read his rights twice, signed a waiver form, and stated that his mother would retain an attorney. The court concluded that, under the totality of the circumstances, the defendant understood and validly waived his rights. There were sufficient facts demonstrating the elements necessary for a valid waiver. Under our clearly erroneous standard of review, the trial court’s ruling will be upheld. See United States v. Moreno-Lopez, 466 F.2d 1205, 1206 (9th Cir.1972) (knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver found in case where nineteen-year-old had attended high school in America, spoke English well, and indicated before questioning that she understood her rights). But see United States v. Heldt, 745 F.2d 1275, 1277 (9th Cir.1984) (waiver invalid when, after Miranda warnings, defendant invoked right to silence and refused to sign a waiver form but thereafter made incriminating statements).
Binder’s claim that admission of his statements violated his rights under the sixth amendment and Massiah v. United States, 377 U.S. 201, 84 S.Ct. 1199, 12 L.Ed.2d 246 (1964), is also without merit. The standard for waiver of the rights under the sixth amendment is the same as that for the fifth amendment, that is, voluntary, knowing, and intelligent. United States v. Karr, 742 F.2d 493, 495-96 (9th Cir.1984) (citing Brewer v. Williams, 430 U.S. 387, 404, 97 S.Ct. 1232, 1242, 51 L.Ed.2d 424 (1977)). The district court’s finding of a valid waiver of Binder’s fifth amendment rights applies equally to uphold a finding of waiver of his sixth amendment rights. See Nick, 604 F.2d at 1201 (valid waiver of right to counsel despite defendant’s mild retardation, limited verbal skills, and testimony that he did not know what waiver form meant and that he signed it because he thought it would help him).
Binder’s challenge to the admissibility of his statements under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5 also fails. A waiver of Miranda rights constitutes a waiver of the rights under Rule 5. Indian [*600] Boy X, 565 F.2d at 591. Even if there were a delay between arrest and arraignment, statements elicited during a delay are not inadmissible if (1) they are voluntary; (2) their weight is left to the jury; and (3) they occurred within a short time after arrest. 18 U.S.C. § 3501; United States v. Manuel, 706 F.2d 908, 913 & n. 11 (9th Cir.1983). The trial court’s findings as to the voluntariness of Binder’s statements were persuasive. These elements were met.
2. Sentencing.
A. Standard of Review
A trial court’s statutory interpretation is reviewed de novo. United States v. Launder, 743 F.2d 686, 688-89 (9th Cir.1984). Sentencing which occurs within statutory parameters is reviewed for abuse of discretion. United States v. Chiago, 699 F.2d 1012, 1014 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S. —, 104 S.Ct. 171, 78 L.Ed.2d 154 (1983).
B. Merits
None of Binder’s assignments of error concerning his sentence has merit. First, citing United States v. Smith, 574 F.2d 988 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 439 U.S. 852, 99 S.Ct. 158, 58 L.Ed.2d 156 (1978), Binder contends that, notwithstanding the Assimilative Crimes Act, 18 U.S.C. § 13, a federal sentencing court is not bound by a state mandatory minimum sentence. The Assimilative Crimes Act “subjects persons on federal lands to ... prosecution in federal court for violations of criminal statutes of the state in which the federal lands are located.” United States v. Kiliz, 694 F.2d 628, 629 (9th Cir.1982) (citing United States v. Press Publishing Co., 219 U.S. 1, 9-10, 31 S.Ct. 212, 213-14, 55 L.Ed. 65 (1911)). Under the Assimilative Crimes Act, the district court is obliged to impose the applicable state sentence, but must turn to the federal parole statute for resolving parole matters. Smith, 574 F.2d at 992. The district court complied with the statute. We find no authority to support Binder’s contention that a federal sentencing court may reduce a state mandatory sentence.
Binder’s contention that the district court erred in failing to sentence him pursuant to the Federal Youth Corrections Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 5005-5026 (FYCA) is without merit. The district court’s decision not to sentence pursuant to the FYCA instead of other applicable law will not be disturbed absent an abuse of discretion. Cf. Ralston v. Robinson, 454 U.S. 201, 218, 102 S.Ct. 233, 244, 70 L.Ed.2d 345 (1981) (decision to sentence under FYCA reviewed for abuse of discretion). The district court concluded that this defendant was “not suitable for treatment under [the] Youth Corrections Act.” There was no abuse of discretion.
3. Replay of Videotaped Testimony.
A. Standard of Review
A decision to replay testimony during jury deliberations will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion. United States v. Sims, 719 F.2d 375, 379 (11th Cir.1983), cert. denied, — U.S. —, 104 S.Ct. 1304, 79 L.Ed.2d 703 (1984).
B. Merits
Binder asserts that the replay of the videotape in the jury room during deliberations placed prejudicial emphasis on the complaining witnesses’ testimony. We agree. The rereading of a witness’ testimony is disfavored when it unduly emphasizes that testimony. See United States v. Nolan, 700 F.2d 479, 486 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 462 U.S. 1123, 103 S.Ct. 3095, 77 L.Ed.2d 1354 (1983). The determination to allow a rereading or rehearing of testimony must be based on particular facts and circumstances of the case. Undue emphasis of particular testimony should not be permitted.
Videotape testimony is unique. It enables the jury to observe the demeanor and to hear the testimony of the witness. It serves as the functional equivalent of a live witness. Since there was no physical[*601] evidence, the only evidence of acts of molestation was presented through the children’s videotaped testimony. The defendant denied any criminal conduct, asserting that the children were displeased with him and their charges against him were vindictive. Credibility became a crucial issue. Under these circumstances the videotaped testimony may have taken on great significance. Allowing the jury to see and hear the children’s videotaped testimony a second time in the jury room during deliberations unduly emphasized their testimony.[1]
There are additional problems with the replay of the videotape. The judge granted the jury’s request to replay the tape in an abridged fashion. Failure to replay the tape in its entirety may have placed an undue emphasis on the portion of the testimony revealed to the jury a second time.
The replay allowed the repetition of the government’s case against Binder and may have taken on inappropriate significance in the jury’s deliberations. The trial court abused its discretion in allowing the replay of the videotape during deliberations.
Binder also claims that (1) the replay was improper because the tape was never admitted into evidence; (2) the replay violated his due process right to respond to adverse testimony and his right under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 43(a) to be present “at every stage of the trial;”[2] (3) the deputy court clerk’s presence in the jury room to operate the videotape equipment was prejudicial; and (4) the court erred in communicating with the jury, without consulting counsel, concerning the way the tape was to be reviewed.[3] Since the replay of the videotaped testimony was erroneous on other grounds, we do not reach these alternative grounds for reversal.
4. Admission of Expert Psychological and Psychiatric Testimony.
A. Standard of Review
The trial court’s decision on the admissibility of expert testimony is reviewed for an abuse of discretion or “manifest error.” United States v. Marabelles, 724 F.2d 1374, 1381 (9th Cir.1984). Errone[*602] ous admission of expert testimony is reversible if the admission more probably than not materially affected the verdict. See United States v. Valle-Valdez, 554 F.2d 911, 916 (9th Cir.1977).
B. Merits
Expert witnesses may testify if they are qualified and if their testimony will assist the trier of fact in understanding the evidence or determining a fact in issue. United States v. Amaral, 488 F.2d 1148, 1152-53 (9th Cir.1973). Expert testimony should not be permitted if it concerns a subject improper for expert testimony, for example, one that invades the province of the jury. Id. at 1153 (expert testimony on the unreliability of eyewitness testimony properly excluded). Credibility is a matter to be decided by the jury. See United States v. Barnard, 490 F.2d 907, 912-13 (9th Cir.1973) (trial court properly excluded psychiatric and psychological testimony as to credibility of codefendant, a prosecution witness), cert. denied, 416 U.S. 959, 94 S.Ct. 1976, 40 L.Ed.2d 310 (1974). Accord United States v. Awkard, 597 F.2d 667, 671 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 885, 100 S.Ct. 179, 62 L.Ed.2d 116 (1979). Binder claims that while none of the experts was allowed to testify specifically as to the complaining witnesses’ credibility, the effect of the expert testimony was to “improperly buttress” that credibility. We agree.
There was no physical evidence to support or contradict the children’s allegations, and there were no witnesses to the alleged offenses. Binder maintained his innocence and that the children invented the story because they were angry at him. The verdict necessarily turned on the credibility of Binder and the children. The three expert witnesses testified that the complaining witnesses were able to distinguish reality from fantasy and truth from falsehood. The effect of the expert witnesses’ testimony was to bolster the children’s story and to usurp the jury’s fact-finding function. It is the jurors’ responsibility to determine credibility by assessing the witnesses and witness testimony in light of their own experience. This is an area in which jurors did not need additional assistance. The expert testimony was not admitted for purposes of determining the children’s competency to testify. Before the trial began, the court found the children competent and allowed their testimony to be videotaped. The testimony of the experts came long after the preliminary competency determination had been made.
Nor was this an instance where the expert testimony was admitted solely to aid the jury in understanding credibility evaluations or problems common to all children of the victim’s age. See, e.g., People v. Roscoe, 168 Cal.App.3d 1093, 1098-99, 215 Cal.Rptr. 45, 48-49 (5th Dist.1985) (expert testimony as to credibility of a particular child molestation victim was impermissible); People v. Bledsoe, 36 Cal.3d 236, 247, 203 Cal.Rptr. 450, 461, 681 P.2d 291, 301 (1984) (expert testimony based upon professional research or experience as to a class of victims may be admissible to rehabilitate a molestation victim’s credibility). The testimony of the experts in this case was not limited to references to psychological literature or experience or to a discussion of a class of victims generally. Rather the experts testified that these particular children in this particular case could be believed. The jury in effect was impermissibly being asked to accept an expert’s determination that these particular witnesses were truthful.
Finally, the erroneous admission of the expert testimony was not harmless. But cf. United States v. Barrett, 703 F.2d 1076, 1082 (9th Cir.1983) (erroneously admitted expert testimony not reversed because, among other factors, ample corroborating evidence to support the conviction); Awkard, 597 F.2d at 672 (ample evidence to support conviction rendered erroneous admission of expert testimony harmless). Here, the objectionable testimony concerned a crucial issue in the case. Indeed the jury specially asked to see the doctors’ reports during deliberations, thus suggesting that the jury may have given substantial emphasis to the doctors’ evaluation of the children’s credibility.
[*603] CONCLUSION
The trial court did not err in admitting Binder’s statement or in applying the state statutory minimum sentence. It was error to permit the jury to replay the videotaped testimony in the jury room during deliberations, and to allow expert testimony during the trial as to the children’s ability to distinguish truth from falsehood.
Appellant’s conviction is REVERSED.
Permitting the replay of the videotaped testimony in the jury room during deliberation was equivalent to allowing a live witness to testify a second time in the jury room. The same consideration and procedures should be employed for videotaped testimony as are employed in the rereading of live testimony. If it is appropriate to allow the jury to hear the testimony of a witness a second time at all, the preferred procedure would require the preparation of a transcript of videotaped testimony and a rereading of that testimony to the jury in the courtroom with all parties present.
The dissent is critical of our conclusion that the district judge abused his discretion in replaying the videotape. Specifically, the dissent finds little difference between allowing the replay of a videotape and allowing the replay of an audiotape. Unlike the dissent, we believe that allowing the replay of videotaped testimony, especially on the facts before us, was particularly prejudicial. Certainly it would have been impermissible to allow a live witness to enter the jury room to repeat his or her testimony. Often, videotapes are substitutes for live testimony and therefore distinct from audiotapes. We remain convinced that in this case the videotape was the functional equivalent of live testimony and not analogous to an audiotape.
Fed.R.Crim.P. 43(a) provides that ‘‘[t]he defendant shall be present at the arraignment, at the time of the plea, at every stage of the trial including the impaneling of the jury and the return of the verdict, and at the imposition of sentence, except as otherwise provided by this rule.” See United States v. Christopher, 700 F.2d 1253, 1261-62 (9th Cir.) ("defendant is generally required to be present during all stages of the criminal process”), cert. denied, 461 U.S. 960, 103 S.Ct. 2436, 77 L.Ed.2d 1321 (1983). Both the in-chambers discussion concerning the replay and the actual replay of the videotape outside the defendant’s presence may well have violated Rule 43(a), although defendant’s failure to invoke the rule may have resulted in a waiver. United States v. Gagnon, 721 F.2d 672, 678 (9th Cir. 1983) (no waiver of Rule 43 found), rev’d, — U.S. —, —, 105 S.Ct. 1482, 1483, 84 L.Ed.2d 486 (1985) (waiver of Rule 43 found).
Binder claims that, had he been consulted, he would have objected to the selective replay. As we have already noted, the selective replay added to the prejudicial effect of the tape. Therefore, while we do not and need not rule on these additional issues specifically, we note that there may well have been a number of other problems with the videotape replay in this case. Thus, there are sound reasons for disfavoring this practice.
Concurrence in Part
concurring in part and dissenting in part:
The majority rules on four issues: (1) whether Binder made a voluntary and knowing waiver of his Miranda rights before making incriminating statements, (2) whether Binder’s sentence was an abuse of discretion, (3) whether the district judge abused his discretion by replaying part of the children’s videotaped testimony, and (4) whether the district judge abused his discretion by admitting expert testimony concerning the children’s ability to discern truth from falsehood and reality from fantasy. I agree with the majority that the first two issues present no abuse of discretion, but disagree that a new trial is required due to what the majority concludes is an abuse of discretion on the last two issues.
The majority reasons that the district judge abused his discretion in replaying part of the videotape because it unduly emphasized the testimony of the children. The opinion relies only on United States v. Nolan, 700 F.2d 479, 486 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 462 U.S. 1123, 103 S.Ct. 3095, 77 L.Ed.2d 1354 (1983). In Nolan, we upheld a district court’s exercise of discretion in refusing to reread certain testimony. The major proposition of Nolan is that “[a] trial court is given great latitude in deciding whether to reread testimony requested by the jury.” Id. at 486. The defendant in Nolan was arguing for reversal on the ground that the judge had refused to reread certain testimony. We justified the district judge’s decision not to do so by observing that rereading testimony “is disfavored because of the emphasis it places on specific testimony and the delay it causes in the trial.” Id. Nolan provides little assistance to the holding by the majority.
The latitude of trial judges in this area has been universally considered to be great. The majority cites no case in which a recent circuit court has deemed a decision to reread testimony an abuse of discretion. See United States v. King, 552 F.2d 833, 850 (9th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 430 U.S. 966, 97 S.Ct. 1646, 52 L.Ed.2d 357 (1977) (King), see, e.g., Nolan, 700 F.2d at 486; United States v. De Luca, 692 F.2d 1277, 1286 (9th Cir.1982) (not abuse of discretion to deny request to reread because district judge is “better able to determine whether the ‘beneficial effects from allowing the jury to review a part of the transcript outweigh the risk that the jury will give undue weight to that part of the evidence.’ ”) (De Luca), quoting United States v. An Article of Drug, 661 F.2d 742, 746 (9th Cir.1981) (per curiam) (Drug). See also King, 552 F.2d at 850 (not abuse of discretion to grant request to reread portions of the testimony).
The district judge is in a better position than we are to determine whether the benefits of allowing the jury to review the videotaped testimony outweighed the risk that the jury would give undue weight to that portion of the evidence. De Luca, 692 F.2d at 1286; Drug, 661 F.2d at 746. Indeed, in this case the district judge, in exercising his discretion, considered the benefit to Binder in replaying the videotapes. In deciding to grant the jury’s request, he stated:
If they had been just crackerjack witnesses I would be a little bit more reluctant, but they were very hesitant, particularly Vanessa. I didn’t — I thought their testimony was strong enough to get past your motion for acquittal, but I didn’t think that it was — you know, it’s still a question of credibility. I’m just kind of feeling that I sought to, particularly from the defendant’s standpoint, allow them to be played, because the[*604] Jury’s notes are now going to indicate that.
The majority, however, was influenced not by what the jury heard a second time, but by what they saw a second time. The majority worried that replaying the videotape would emphasize the children’s credibility unduly during the deliberations, maj. op. at 601, and suggested the alternative procedure of rereading the videotape testimony. Id. at 601 n. 1. I disagree with this analysis for two reasons. First, the question of a satisfactory, alternative procedure is not before us — we need to decide only whether the procedure used by the district judge was an abuse of discretion. The record, moreover, does not clearly reflect that the court reporter reported or transcribed the videotaped testimony verbatim when it was played initially, or that the district judge had the reporter’s notes or a transcript available when the jury made its request. The record reflects only that a transcript was filed with the district court on October 5, 1984, long after judgment was entered on August 27, 1984. Thus, I do not believe that we can find it an abuse of discretion for a district judge not to have the reporter’s notes or a transcript if he may not have had the notes or transcript readily available.
Even if such a transcript or notes were available, however, I would disagree with the majority for a second and more important reason. The majority holds that videotapes are “unique” and cannot be replayed when the credibility of the taped witness is a key issue. This result is contrary to both logic and our precedent. We have upheld the replaying of audio tapes to the jury upon their request. United States v. Puchi, 441 F.2d 697, 702 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 404 U.S. 853, 92 S.Ct. 92, 30 L.Ed.2d 92 (1971). See United States v. Sims, 719 F.2d 375, 379 (11th Cir.1983) (per curiam) (district court's replay of audiotaped testimony upheld), cert. denied, — U.S. —, 104 S.Ct. 1304, 79 L.Ed.2d 703 (1984) (Sims); cf. 28 U.S.C. § 753(b) (“proceeding[s] ... shall be recorded verbatim by shorthand, mechanical means, electronic sound recording, or any other method ... ”). To distinguish videotaped testimony from other testimony because the former may demonstrate credibility more vividly is to ignore our precedent regarding audio testimony. Audio tapes also may reveal indicia of credibility: a tremor in the voice, a stammer, a pregnant pause, or a stutter, among others, all may reveal physical clues as to the trustworthiness of a particular witness, none of which are apparent from a cold transcript. While it is undeniably true that a videotape reveals even more such indicia, these are differences of degree, not of kind. The incremental ability to see facial expression and body movements does not justify an artificial distinction between sound and videotapes for purposes of permitting their replay to the jury. In this case, moreover, the parties stipulated to the use of the videotape. Under these circumstances, the videotape could be replayed for the jury. See Sims, 719 F.2d at 379.
The majority also mentions that the district judge allowed the jury to view the videotape without reviewing the introductory part of the tape. A request to view in a more abridged fashion was declined. The majority points to no prejudice from these rulings, and I have found none in the record. The district court may permit only portions of certain testimony to be reread. See King, 552 F.2d at 850. It is not required to reread all of a particular witness’ testimony. Four other arguments raised by Binder against replaying the videotape, and mentioned by the majority are all either unmeritorious or unobjected to in the district court.
I also disagree with the majority’s conclusion that the district judge abused his discretion because he allowed expert testimony to buttress improperly the children’s credibility. The experts, each of whom had examined the children, testified that the children were able to differentiate between truth and falsehood, and between reality and fantasy.
In each of the cases on which the majority relies, the expert actually testified as to[*605] whether the particular witness should have been believed. See United States v. Awkard, 597 F.2d 667, 671 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 885, 100 S.Ct. 179, 62 L.Ed.2d 116 (1979); United States v. Barnard, 490 F.2d 907, 912-13 (9th Cir.1973), cert. denied, 416 U.S. 959, 94 S.Ct. 1976, 40 L.Ed.2d 310 (1974); United States v. Amaral, 488 F.2d 1148, 1153 (9th Cir.1973). In this case, the experts testified only that the children were capable of telling the truth — they did not opine as to whether or not the children actually had done so. The difference between knowing that a witness can tell the truth and concluding that he did so is fundamental. Thus, the jury was free to believe or disbelieve the children’s testimony, and in my judgment, the expert testimony neither helped nor hindered that determination.
Moreover, the fact that such testimony normally is taken outside the presence of the jury when the judge determines competence to testify does not require a new trial. The evidence of the children’s competency was merely a small part of the expert testimony to which no objection is now being raised. Although I might have sustained an objection to this evidence had I been the district judge, in light of the facts of this case and the lack of expert testimony tending to make the children more or less believable, I cannot conclude that its admission was an abuse of discretion.
Finally, the majority’s conclusion that the jury’s request to see the doctors’ reports suggests undue emphasis on credibility is pure speculation. These reports contained evidence other than that related to credibility.
For the foregoing reasons, I would affirm Binder’s conviction.