state of mind exception (New Jersey) · Go Syfert
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state of mind exception in New Jersey

16 New Jersey opinions name it 2 courts 1988–2024 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by New Jersey courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (10)

CaseFollowedCited
State v. Benedettogreen
nj · 1990 · cited in 3 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1993–2017
2 sentences

1993Generally the basis for accepting such testimony is that the behavior of both the victim and the defendant are part of the mosaic of the criminal event, and hence, insofar as their declarations bear upon either the quality of their acts or a relevant state of mind, they must be accepted as part and parcel of the critical scene. [ Id. at 394, 221 A. 2d 199 .] In State v. Benedetto, 120 N.J. 250 , 576 A. 2d 828 (1990), the Court reviewed earlier case law and expounded on the state of mind exception to the hearsay rule.

1993Generally the basis for accepting such testimony is that the behavior of both the victim and the defendant are part of the mosaic of the criminal event, and hence, insofar as their declarations bear upon either the quality of their acts or a relevant state of mind, they must be accepted as part and parcel of the critical scene. [ Id. at 394, 221 A. 2d 199 .] In State v. Benedetto, 120 N.J. 250 , 576 A. 2d 828 (1990), the Court reviewed earlier case law and expounded on the state of mind exception to the hearsay rule.

23
State v. Calleiagreen
nj · 2011 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2020–2024
2 sentences

2024In State v. Calleia, the Court held "when a victim's state-of-mind hearsay statements are relevant to show the declarant's own conduct, and when such conduct is known or probably known to the defendant, it also can give rise to motive, and the statements become admissible for that purpose, subject to the usual balancing under N.J.R.E. 403." 206 N.J. 274, 296 (2011).

2020That is to say, subject to certain exceptions, a fact probative of the victim's state of mind, standing alone, does not tend to prove any material fact about a defendant's conduct or state of mind. [State v. Calleia, 206 N.J. 274, 291-92 (2011).] A-3393-14T3 12 The state of mind exception should be construed narrowly, and the focus is whether the declarant's state of mind is directly relevant to the issues at trial.

22
State v. McLaughlingreen
nj · 2011 · cited in 3 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2011–2020
2 sentences

2011Many years ago in State v. Thornton, 38 N.J. 380 , 185 A. 2d 9 (1962), cert. denied, 374 U.S. 816 , 83 S.Ct. 1710 , 10 L.Ed. 2d 1039 (1963), our Supreme Court stated: When a person's engagement in a course of conduct or an act ... is relevant to the resolution of a controversy over an occurrence which becomes the subject of subsequent litigation ... declarations of the person of his present intention or plan to do so, are competent, substantive, and original evidence of his probable engagement in the course of conduct or act. [ Id. at 389, 185 A. 2d 9 (emphasis added).] Recently in State v. Mc

2011Many years ago in State v. Thornton, 38 N.J. 380 , 185 A. 2d 9 (1962), cert. denied, 374 U.S. 816 , 83 S.Ct. 1710 , 10 L.Ed. 2d 1039 (1963), our Supreme Court stated: When a person's engagement in a course of conduct or an act ... is relevant to the resolution of a controversy over an occurrence which becomes the subject of subsequent litigation ... declarations of the person of his present intention or plan to do so, are competent, substantive, and original evidence of his probable engagement in the course of conduct or act. [ Id. at 389, 185 A. 2d 9 (emphasis added).] Recently in State v. Mc

13
State v. Downeygreen
njsuperctappdiv · 1986 · cited in 3 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1988–2016
2 sentences

2016See, e.g., Benedetto, supra, 120 N.J. at 259-61 , 576 A.2d 828 (finding that victim’s *570 statements describing threats were “not relevant to any issue and not explanatory of how defendant had acted on the night of [the victim’s death]”); State v. Downey, 206 N.J.Super. 382, 392 , 502 A.2d 1171 (App.Div.1986) (noting weight of authority supporting same).

1988For reversal — None. 1 In Downey , the Appellate Division found that the state-of-mind exception contains as a predicate to admission that the statement must reflect a mental condition of the declarant that constitutes a genuine issue in the case or that the statement must be otherwise relevant to explain the declarant’s conduct. 206 N.J.Super. at 390 .

13
State v. Stephen F. Scharf(074922)green
nj · 2016 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2017–2022
2 sentences

2022The trial court misapplied the Supreme Court's holding in State v. Scharf, 225 N.J. 547 (2016), when it admitted into evidence hearsay statements attributable to the victim under the state of mind exception in N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3).

2017Our Supreme Court recently addressed the state of mind exception in the context of a victim's expression of fear, noting the exception "does not broadly allow admission of a victim's recounting of a defendant's threats." State v. Scharf, 225 N.J. 547, 569 (2016).

12
State v. McCoygreen
minn · 2004 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016See State v. Bauer, 598 N.W.2d 352, 367 (Minn.1999), overruled on other grounds by, State v. McCoy, 682 N.W.2d 153 , 160 n.6 (Minn.2004); Campbell v. United States, 391 A.2d 283, 287 (D.C.App.1978).

11
State v. Bauergreen
minn · 1999 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016See State v. Bauer, 598 N.W.2d 352, 367 (Minn.1999), overruled on other grounds by, State v. McCoy, 682 N.W.2d 153 , 160 n.6 (Minn.2004); Campbell v. United States, 391 A.2d 283, 287 (D.C.App.1978).

11
Campbell v. United Statesgreen
dc · 1978 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016See State v. Bauer, 598 N.W.2d 352, 367 (Minn.1999), overruled on other grounds by, State v. McCoy, 682 N.W.2d 153 , 160 n.6 (Minn.2004); Campbell v. United States, 391 A.2d 283, 287 (D.C.App.1978).

11
Mutual Life Insurance v. Hillmongreen
· 1892 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
2 sentences

2011He argues that the panel incorrectly relied on Mutual Life Insurance Co. v. Hillmon, 145 U.S. 285, 294-300 , 12 S.Ct. 909, 912-14 , 36 L.Ed. 706, 710-12 (1892), when it held that N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3) “not only serves to admit such a statement into evidence to prove Serrano’s state of mind, but allows a jury to infer from that statement—with no jury instruction on the matter—that Serrano and defendant engaged in the subsequent criminal behavior referenced in Serrano’s hearsay statement.” He concludes that “[t]he decision below represents a misapplication of N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3)[.]” 7 Relying on Hil

2011He argues that the panel incorrectly relied on Mutual Life Insurance Co. v. Hillmon, 145 U.S. 285, 294-300 , 12 S.Ct. 909, 912-14 , 36 L.Ed. 706, 710-12 (1892), when it held that N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3) “not only serves to admit such a statement into evidence to prove Serrano’s state of mind, but allows a jury to infer from that statement—with no jury instruction on the matter—that Serrano and defendant engaged in the subsequent criminal behavior referenced in Serrano’s hearsay statement.” He concludes that “[t]he decision below represents a misapplication of N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3)[.]” 7 Relying on Hil

11
James R. Greider v. Jack Duckworthgreen
ca7 · 1983 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997Because a state of mind requirement is part of the prima facie case of murder, even if the defense of insanity were abolished ... some insane killers would still escape conviction for murder, because their insanity had prevented them from forming the intent required of a murderer." Greider v. Duckworth, 701 F.2d 1228, 1236-37 (7th Cir.1983) (Posner, J., concurring) (internal quotations and citations omitted). 3 In State v. Erazo, 126 N.J. 112, 125-26 , 594 A.2d 232 (1991), we found that an instruction that the jury could find passion/provocation manslaughter only if it first acquitted the defe

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in New Jersey. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (15)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Boratto green
njsuperctappdiv · 1977
2 sentences

2011Many years ago in State v. Thornton, 38 N.J. 380 , 185 A. 2d 9 (1962), cert. denied, 374 U.S. 816 , 83 S.Ct. 1710 , 10 L.Ed. 2d 1039 (1963), our Supreme Court stated: When a person's engagement in a course of conduct or an act ... is relevant to the resolution of a controversy over an occurrence which becomes the subject of subsequent litigation ... declarations of the person of his present intention or plan to do so, are competent, substantive, and original evidence of his probable engagement in the course of conduct or act. [ Id. at 389, 185 A. 2d 9 (emphasis added).] Recently in State v. Mc

2011The governing principle is simply stated: to be admissible under the state of mind exception to the hearsay rule, the declarant’s state of mind must be “in issue.” State v. Boratto, 154 N.J.Super. 386 , 381 A.2d 794 (App.Div.1977), aff'd in part, rev’d in part, 80 N.J. 506 , 404 A.2d 604 (1979).

22011–2011
State v. Boratto green
nj · 1979
2 sentences

2011The governing principle is simply stated: to be admissible under the state of mind exception to the hearsay rule, the declarant’s state of mind must be “in issue.” State v. Boratto, 154 N.J.Super. 386 , 381 A.2d 794 (App.Div.1977), aff'd in part, rev’d in part, 80 N.J. 506 , 404 A.2d 604 (1979).

2011The governing principle is simply stated: to be admissible under the state of mind exception to the hearsay rule, the declarant’s state of mind must be “in issue.” State v. Boratto, 154 N.J.Super. 386 , 381 A.2d 794 (App.Div.1977), aff'd in part, rev’d in part, 80 N.J. 506 , 404 A.2d 604 (1979).

22011–2011
State v. Baldwin green
nj · 1966
2 sentences

2011Id. at 392-93 , 221 A.2d 199 .

1993Generally the basis for accepting such testimony is that the behavior of both the victim and the defendant are part of the mosaic of the criminal event, and hence, insofar as their declarations bear upon either the quality of their acts or a relevant state of mind, they must be accepted as part and parcel of the critical scene. [ Id. at 394, 221 A. 2d 199 .] In State v. Benedetto, 120 N.J. 250 , 576 A. 2d 828 (1990), the Court reviewed earlier case law and expounded on the state of mind exception to the hearsay rule.

21993–2011
State v. Long green
nj · 2002
2 sentences

2008We have explained that "[t]he ancient res gestae concept, now codified in N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3) and referred to as the state of mind exception, covers `statement[s] made in good faith of the declarant's then existing state of mind, emotion, sensation or physical condition (such as intent, plan, motive, design, mental feeling, pain, or bodily health)[.]'" State v. Long, 173 N.J. 138, 153 , 801 A. 2d 221 (2002) (quoting N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3)).

2008We have explained that "[t]he ancient res gestae concept, now codified in N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3) and referred to as the state of mind exception, covers `statement[s] made in good faith of the declarant's then existing state of mind, emotion, sensation or physical condition (such as intent, plan, motive, design, mental feeling, pain, or bodily health)[.]'" State v. Long, 173 N.J. 138, 153 , 801 A. 2d 221 (2002) (quoting N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3)).

22002–2008
State v. Pomianek green
njsuperctappdiv · 2013
2 sentences

2015Id. at 343-44 , 58 A.3d 1205 .

2015Id. at 343-44 , 58 A.3d 1205 .

12015–2015
Smith v. ALZA CORPORATION green
njsuperctappdiv · 2008
1 sentence

2011We therefore hold that the trial court abused its discretion in admitting those unredacted statements as evidence in the case, State v. Kemp, 195 N.J. 136, 149 , 948 A.2d 686 (2008), and that their admission was error “of such a nature as to have been clearly capable of producing an unjust result[.]” R. 2:10-2; State v. Castagna, 187 N.J. 293, 312 , 901 A.2d 363 (2006).

12011–2011
State v. Kemp green
nj · 2008
1 sentence

2011We therefore hold that the trial court abused its discretion in admitting those unredacted statements as evidence in the case, State v. Kemp, 195 N.J. 136, 149 , 948 A.2d 686 (2008), and that their admission was error “of such a nature as to have been clearly capable of producing an unjust result[.]” R. 2:10-2; State v. Castagna, 187 N.J. 293, 312 , 901 A.2d 363 (2006).

12011–2011
State v. CALLEIA green
njsuperctappdiv · 2010
2 sentences

2011State v. Calleia, 414 N.J.Super. 125, 129-38 , 997 A.2d 1051 (App.Div.2010). 2 The state-of-mind exception to the prohibition against hearsay evidence is codified at N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3) and allows admission of “[a] statement made in good faith of the declarant’s then existing state of mind, emotion, sensation or physical condition (such as intent, plan, motive, design, mental feeling, pain, or bodily health), but not including a statement of memory or belief to prove the fact remembered or believed[.]" 3 We need not comment further on the holding of Dreher for we do not suggest that we would no

2011State v. Calleia, 414 N.J.Super. 125, 129-38 , 997 A.2d 1051 (App.Div.2010). 2 The state-of-mind exception to the prohibition against hearsay evidence is codified at N.J.R.E. 803(c)(3) and allows admission of “[a] statement made in good faith of the declarant’s then existing state of mind, emotion, sensation or physical condition (such as intent, plan, motive, design, mental feeling, pain, or bodily health), but not including a statement of memory or belief to prove the fact remembered or believed[.]" 3 We need not comment further on the holding of Dreher for we do not suggest that we would no

12011–2011
State v. Castagna green
nj · 2006
2 sentences

2011We therefore hold that the trial court abused its discretion in admitting those unredacted statements as evidence in the case, State v. Kemp, 195 N.J. 136, 149 , 948 A.2d 686 (2008), and that their admission was error “of such a nature as to have been clearly capable of producing an unjust result[.]” R. 2:10-2; State v. Castagna, 187 N.J. 293, 312 , 901 A.2d 363 (2006).

2011We therefore hold that the trial court abused its discretion in admitting those unredacted statements as evidence in the case, State v. Kemp, 195 N.J. 136, 149 , 948 A.2d 686 (2008), and that their admission was error “of such a nature as to have been clearly capable of producing an unjust result[.]” R. 2:10-2; State v. Castagna, 187 N.J. 293, 312 , 901 A.2d 363 (2006).

12011–2011
Ottey v. Cunningham green
scotus · 1963
1 sentence

2011Many years ago in State v. Thornton, 38 N.J. 380 , 185 A. 2d 9 (1962), cert. denied, 374 U.S. 816 , 83 S.Ct. 1710 , 10 L.Ed. 2d 1039 (1963), our Supreme Court stated: When a person's engagement in a course of conduct or an act ... is relevant to the resolution of a controversy over an occurrence which becomes the subject of subsequent litigation ... declarations of the person of his present intention or plan to do so, are competent, substantive, and original evidence of his probable engagement in the course of conduct or act. [ Id. at 389, 185 A. 2d 9 (emphasis added).] Recently in State v. Mc

12011–2011
Gaito v. Prasse green
scotus · 1963
1 sentence

2011Many years ago in State v. Thornton, 38 N.J. 380 , 185 A. 2d 9 (1962), cert. denied, 374 U.S. 816 , 83 S.Ct. 1710 , 10 L.Ed. 2d 1039 (1963), our Supreme Court stated: When a person's engagement in a course of conduct or an act ... is relevant to the resolution of a controversy over an occurrence which becomes the subject of subsequent litigation ... declarations of the person of his present intention or plan to do so, are competent, substantive, and original evidence of his probable engagement in the course of conduct or act. [ Id. at 389, 185 A. 2d 9 (emphasis added).] Recently in State v. Mc

12011–2011
State v. Thornton green
nj · 1962
2 sentences

2011Many years ago in State v. Thornton, 38 N.J. 380 , 185 A. 2d 9 (1962), cert. denied, 374 U.S. 816 , 83 S.Ct. 1710 , 10 L.Ed. 2d 1039 (1963), our Supreme Court stated: When a person's engagement in a course of conduct or an act ... is relevant to the resolution of a controversy over an occurrence which becomes the subject of subsequent litigation ... declarations of the person of his present intention or plan to do so, are competent, substantive, and original evidence of his probable engagement in the course of conduct or act. [ Id. at 389, 185 A. 2d 9 (emphasis added).] Recently in State v. Mc

2011Many years ago in State v. Thornton, 38 N.J. 380 , 185 A. 2d 9 (1962), cert. denied, 374 U.S. 816 , 83 S.Ct. 1710 , 10 L.Ed. 2d 1039 (1963), our Supreme Court stated: When a person's engagement in a course of conduct or an act ... is relevant to the resolution of a controversy over an occurrence which becomes the subject of subsequent litigation ... declarations of the person of his present intention or plan to do so, are competent, substantive, and original evidence of his probable engagement in the course of conduct or act. [ Id. at 389, 185 A. 2d 9 (emphasis added).] Recently in State v. Mc

12011–2011
State v. LP green
njsuperctappdiv · 2001
2 sentences

2002Despite the urging of some to abandon the use of the principle denominated as res gestae, see 2 McCormick on Evidence § 268 (Strong ed., 5th ed.1999); 2 Wigmore on Evidence § 218 (Tillers Rev. 1983), "[c]ourts continue to cling to it." State v. L.P., 338 N.J.Super. 227, 241 , 768 A. 2d 795 (App.Div.) (Wefing, J.A.D., concurring), certif. denied, 170 N.J. 205 , 785 A. 2d 434 (2001).

2002Despite the urging of some to abandon the use of the principle denominated as res gestae, see 2 McCormick on Evidence § 268 (Strong ed., 5th ed.1999); 2 Wigmore on Evidence § 218 (Tillers Rev. 1983), "[c]ourts continue to cling to it." State v. L.P., 338 N.J.Super. 227, 241 , 768 A. 2d 795 (App.Div.) (Wefing, J.A.D., concurring), certif. denied, 170 N.J. 205 , 785 A. 2d 434 (2001).

12002–2002
State v. Simon green
nj · 1999
2 sentences

2000Id. at 447 , 737 A.2d 1 .

2000Id. at 447 , 737 A.2d 1 .

12000–2000
State v. Erazo green
nj · 1991
2 sentences

1997Because a state of mind requirement is part of the prima facie case of murder, even if the defense of insanity were abolished ... some insane killers would still escape conviction for murder, because their insanity had prevented them from forming the intent required of a murderer." Greider v. Duckworth, 701 F.2d 1228, 1236-37 (7th Cir.1983) (Posner, J., concurring) (internal quotations and citations omitted). 3 In State v. Erazo, 126 N.J. 112, 125-26 , 594 A.2d 232 (1991), we found that an instruction that the jury could find passion/provocation manslaughter only if it first acquitted the defe

1997Because a state of mind requirement is part of the prima facie case of murder, even if the defense of insanity were abolished ... some insane killers would still escape conviction for murder, because their insanity had prevented them from forming the intent required of a murderer." Greider v. Duckworth, 701 F.2d 1228, 1236-37 (7th Cir.1983) (Posner, J., concurring) (internal quotations and citations omitted). 3 In State v. Erazo, 126 N.J. 112, 125-26 , 594 A.2d 232 (1991), we found that an instruction that the jury could find passion/provocation manslaughter only if it first acquitted the defe

11997–1997

Statutes the citing opinions construe

NJ § N.J. Stat. § 2C:43-7.2 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 78 (1968–2026) PA 64 (1971–2026) IL 50 (1976–2025) NY 37 (1983–2024) MA 37 (1982–2025) NC 32 (1977–2016) FL 28 (1984–2025) TX 26 (1971–2024) DC 24 (1978–2023) MO 23 (1983–2025) CT 23 (1980–2020) OH 23 (1993–2025) VA 22 (1989–2025) MD 17 (1981–2024) TN 16 (1994–2019) NJ 16 (1988–2024) IN 14 (1984–2020) WA 12 (1980–2022) CO 11 (1975–2025) OR 11 (1984–2025) AZ 10 (1981–2021) LA 10 (1980–2019) NV 9 (1980–2025) KY 9 (1991–2026) HI 9 (1982–2026) MI 8 (1971–2016) MN 8 (2014–2026) DE 8 (1991–2026) OK 8 (1996–2018) AL 7 (1989–2010) NM 7 (1983–2022) ID 6 (1969–2022) UT 5 (1980–2015) WI 5 (1984–2003) IA 4 (1995–2022) SC 4 (1999–2011) KS 3 (2001–2018) ND 3 (2011–2014) NE 3 (1992–1997) GA 2 (2011–2024) AK 2 (1994–2005) WY 2 (1992–2011) MS 2 (1977–2000)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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