penal interest exception (California) · Go Syfert
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penal interest exception in California

5 California opinions name it 2 courts 2000–2014 0 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by California 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 (8)

CaseFollowedCited
Williamson v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1994 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2000–2002
2 sentences

2002One of the most effective ways to lie is to mix falsehood with truth, especially truth that seems particularly persuasive because of its self-inculpatory nature." ( Williamson v. *657 United States (1994) 512 U.S. 594, 599-600 , 114 S.Ct. 2431 , 129 L.Ed.2d 476 .) Whether a statement is self-inculpatory or not can only be determined by viewing the statement in context. ( Id. at p. 603, 114 S.Ct. 2431 .) In view of these concerns, this court "long ago determined that `the hearsay exception should not apply to collateral assertions within declarations against penal interest.' [Citation.] ... [W]

2002One of the most effective ways to lie is to mix falsehood with truth, especially truth that seems particularly persuasive because of its self-inculpatory nature." ( Williamson v. *657 United States (1994) 512 U.S. 594, 599-600 , 114 S.Ct. 2431 , 129 L.Ed.2d 476 .) Whether a statement is self-inculpatory or not can only be determined by viewing the statement in context. ( Id. at p. 603, 114 S.Ct. 2431 .) In view of these concerns, this court "long ago determined that `the hearsay exception should not apply to collateral assertions within declarations against penal interest.' [Citation.] ... [W]

22
People v. Duartegreen
cal · 2000 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2000–2002
2 sentences

2002That statute provides: "Evidence of a statement by a declarant having sufficient knowledge of the subject is not made inadmissible by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness and the statement, when made, was so far contrary to the declarant's pecuniary or proprietary interest, or so far subjected him to the risk of civil or criminal liability, or so far tended to render invalid a claim by him against another, or created such a risk of making him an object of hatred, ridicule, or social disgrace in the community, that a reasonable man in his position would not have made th

2002That statute provides: "Evidence of a statement by a declarant having sufficient knowledge of the subject is not made inadmissible by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness and the statement, when made, was so far contrary to the declarant's pecuniary or proprietary interest, or so far subjected him to the risk of civil or criminal liability, or so far tended to render invalid a claim by him against another, or created such a risk of making him an object of hatred, ridicule, or social disgrace in the community, that a reasonable man in his position would not have made th

12
People v. Roldangreen
calctapp · 2012 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
1 sentence

2014(See People v. Roldan (2012) 205 Cal.App.4th 969, 980 [under Evidence Code section 240, “[u]ltimately, the burden is on the government to prove it has exercised good faith and due diligence in attempting to secure a witness’s attendance for trial”].) 9 The People do not argue that Mrs. Brown was unavailable because the marital privilege exempted or precluded her from testifying. 16 The error, however, was harmless and does not require reversal.

11
People v. Gonzalesgreen
cal · 2012 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
1 sentence

2014(See People v. Gonzales, supra, 54 Cal.4th at p. 1289 [“‘“[w]ith respect to the penal interest exception, the proponent of the evidence ‘must show that the declarant is unavailable, that the declaration was against the declarant’s penal interest when made and that the declaration was sufficiently reliable to warrant admission despite its hearsay character’”’”].) In the absence of a showing or a finding that Mrs. Brown was unavailable, the trial court erred by admitting Detective Fassam’s testimony about the statements Mrs. Brown made to him.

11
People v. Elliotgreen
cal · 2005 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
2 sentences

2012In any event, it is meritless. “ ‘With respect to the penal interest exception, the proponent of the evidence “must show that the declarant is unavailable, that the declaration was against the declarant’s penal interest when made and that the declaration was sufficiently reliable to warrant admission despite its hearsay character.” [Citations.]’ (People v. Lawley[, supra,] 27 Cal.4th 102 ,153 .. ..)” (People v. Elliot (2005) 37 Cal.4th 453, 483 [ 35 Cal.Rptr.3d 759 , 122 P.3d 968 ].) Veronica’s statements were exculpatory rather than inculpatory, and therefore were not against her penal intere

2012In any event, it is meritless. “ ‘With respect to the penal interest exception, the proponent of the evidence “must show that the declarant is unavailable, that the declaration was against the declarant’s penal interest when made and that the declaration was sufficiently reliable to warrant admission despite its hearsay character.” [Citations.]’ (People v. Lawley[, supra,] 27 Cal.4th 102 ,153 .. ..)” (People v. Elliot (2005) 37 Cal.4th 453, 483 [ 35 Cal.Rptr.3d 759 , 122 P.3d 968 ].) Veronica’s statements were exculpatory rather than inculpatory, and therefore were not against her penal intere

11
People v. Lucasgreen
cal · 1995 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
2 sentences

2002That statute provides: "Evidence of a statement by a declarant having sufficient knowledge of the subject is not made inadmissible by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness and the statement, when made, was so far contrary to the declarant's pecuniary or proprietary interest, or so far subjected him to the risk of civil or criminal liability, or so far tended to render invalid a claim by him against another, or created such a risk of making him an object of hatred, ridicule, or social disgrace in the community, that a reasonable man in his position would not have made th

2002That statute provides: "Evidence of a statement by a declarant having sufficient knowledge of the subject is not made inadmissible by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness and the statement, when made, was so far contrary to the declarant's pecuniary or proprietary interest, or so far subjected him to the risk of civil or criminal liability, or so far tended to render invalid a claim by him against another, or created such a risk of making him an object of hatred, ridicule, or social disgrace in the community, that a reasonable man in his position would not have made th

11
People v. Campagreen
cal · 1984 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
2 sentences

2002That statute provides: "Evidence of a statement by a declarant having sufficient knowledge of the subject is not made inadmissible by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness and the statement, when made, was so far contrary to the declarant's pecuniary or proprietary interest, or so far subjected him to the risk of civil or criminal liability, or so far tended to render invalid a claim by him against another, or created such a risk of making him an object of hatred, ridicule, or social disgrace in the community, that a reasonable man in his position would not have made th

2002That statute provides: "Evidence of a statement by a declarant having sufficient knowledge of the subject is not made inadmissible by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness and the statement, when made, was so far contrary to the declarant's pecuniary or proprietary interest, or so far subjected him to the risk of civil or criminal liability, or so far tended to render invalid a claim by him against another, or created such a risk of making him an object of hatred, ridicule, or social disgrace in the community, that a reasonable man in his position would not have made th

11
People v. Friersongreen
cal · 1991 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
2 sentences

2000(See, e.g., People v. Frierson (1991) 53 Cal.3d 730, 744-746 , 280 Cal. Rptr. 440 , 808 P.2d 1197 [no abuse of discretion in rejecting defense hearsay evidence of third party's admission he committed the charged murder, where admission was made to defense investigator long after defendant was judged guilty, and likely motive was to help defendant with little personal risk].) But insofar as Morris, in police custody and facing criminal prosecution, admitted his participation in a drive-by shooting, his admissions exhibit patent indicia of reliability. [2] The jury seems at least as likely to dr

2000(See, e.g., People v. Frierson (1991) 53 Cal.3d 730, 744-746 , 280 Cal. Rptr. 440 , 808 P.2d 1197 [no abuse of discretion in rejecting defense hearsay evidence of third party's admission he committed the charged murder, where admission was made to defense investigator long after defendant was judged guilty, and likely motive was to help defendant with little personal risk].) But insofar as Morris, in police custody and facing criminal prosecution, admitted his participation in a drive-by shooting, his admissions exhibit patent indicia of reliability. [2] The jury seems at least as likely to dr

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (7)

CaseCitedYears
People v. Lawley green
cal · 2002
2 sentences

2012In any event, it is meritless. “ ‘With respect to the penal interest exception, the proponent of the evidence “must show that the declarant is unavailable, that the declaration was against the declarant’s penal interest when made and that the declaration was sufficiently reliable to warrant admission despite its hearsay character.” [Citations.]’ (People v. Lawley[, supra,] 27 Cal.4th 102 ,153 .. ..)” (People v. Elliot (2005) 37 Cal.4th 453, 483 [ 35 Cal.Rptr.3d 759 , 122 P.3d 968 ].) Veronica’s statements were exculpatory rather than inculpatory, and therefore were not against her penal intere

2005(Evid.Code, § 1230.) "With respect to the penal interest exception, the proponent of the evidence `must show that the declarant is unavailable, that the declaration was against the declarant's penal interest when made and that the declaration was sufficiently reliable to warrant admission despite its hearsay character.' [Citations.]" ( People v. Lawley (2002) 27 Cal.4th 102, 153 , 115 Cal.Rptr.2d 614 , 38 P.3d 461 ; see also Evid.Code, § 1230.) Even assuming that defendant's argument on this point has been properly preserved, the statements at issue here do not meet this standard.

32002–2012
People v. Greenberger green
calctapp · 1997
1 sentence

2002(See id. at pp. 336-341, 68 Cal.Rptr.2d 61 [finding hearsay statements identifying coconspirators admissible under the penal interest exception].) Nonetheless, this conclusion does not warrant reversal because defendant cannot meet the third prong of the penal interest exception: "that the declaration was sufficiently reliable to warrant admission despite its hearsay character." ( People v. Duarte, supra, 24 Cal.4th at p. 611, 101 Cal.Rptr.2d 701 , 12 P.3d 1110 .) At oral *674 argument, defendant made a detailed presentation of the facts surrounding the excluded statements to show their reliab

12002–2002
People v. Gordon green
cal · 1990
2 sentences

2002One of the most effective ways to lie is to mix falsehood with truth, especially truth that seems particularly persuasive because of its self-inculpatory nature." ( Williamson v. *657 United States (1994) 512 U.S. 594, 599-600 , 114 S.Ct. 2431 , 129 L.Ed.2d 476 .) Whether a statement is self-inculpatory or not can only be determined by viewing the statement in context. ( Id. at p. 603, 114 S.Ct. 2431 .) In view of these concerns, this court "long ago determined that `the hearsay exception should not apply to collateral assertions within declarations against penal interest.' [Citation.] ... [W]

2002One of the most effective ways to lie is to mix falsehood with truth, especially truth that seems particularly persuasive because of its self-inculpatory nature." ( Williamson v. *657 United States (1994) 512 U.S. 594, 599-600 , 114 S.Ct. 2431 , 129 L.Ed.2d 476 .) Whether a statement is self-inculpatory or not can only be determined by viewing the statement in context. ( Id. at p. 603, 114 S.Ct. 2431 .) In view of these concerns, this court "long ago determined that `the hearsay exception should not apply to collateral assertions within declarations against penal interest.' [Citation.] ... [W]

12002–2002
People v. Windham green
cal · 1977
1 sentence

2002That statute provides: "Evidence of a statement by a declarant having sufficient knowledge of the subject is not made inadmissible by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness and the statement, when made, was so far contrary to the declarant's pecuniary or proprietary interest, or so far subjected him to the risk of civil or criminal liability, or so far tended to render invalid a claim by him against another, or created such a risk of making him an object of hatred, ridicule, or social disgrace in the community, that a reasonable man in his position would not have made th

12002–2002
Ohio v. Roberts red
scotus · 1980
2 sentences

2000(E.g., Lilly v. Virginia (1999) 527 U.S. 116, 124-125 , 119 S.Ct. 1887 , 144 L.Ed.2d 117 (plur.opn.) ( Lilly ); Ohio v. Roberts (1980) 448 U.S. 56, 66 , 100 S.Ct. 2531 , 65 L.Ed.2d 597 .) However, I believe any error in the admission of these isolated segments was harmless by any applicable standard.

2000(E.g., Lilly v. Virginia (1999) 527 U.S. 116, 124-125 , 119 S.Ct. 1887 , 144 L.Ed.2d 117 (plur.opn.) ( Lilly ); Ohio v. Roberts (1980) 448 U.S. 56, 66 , 100 S.Ct. 2531 , 65 L.Ed.2d 597 .) However, I believe any error in the admission of these isolated segments was harmless by any applicable standard.

12000–2000
People v. Leach green
cal · 1975
2 sentences

2000Minor portions of William Morris's interview in police custody, even as redacted for use at trial, may have been improperly admitted against defendant under the penal-interest exception to California's hearsay rule (Evid.Code, § 1230), because they were not "specifically disserving" to the nontestifying Morris himself and thus lacked sufficient indicia of reliability. ( People v. Leach (1975) 15 Cal.3d 419, 441 , 124 Cal.Rptr. 752 , 541 P.2d 296 ( Leach ).) If so, admission of these same fragments may also have violated the Sixth Amendment's confrontation clause, because they neither fell with

2000Minor portions of William Morris's interview in police custody, even as redacted for use at trial, may have been improperly admitted against defendant under the penal-interest exception to California's hearsay rule (Evid.Code, § 1230), because they were not "specifically disserving" to the nontestifying Morris himself and thus lacked sufficient indicia of reliability. ( People v. Leach (1975) 15 Cal.3d 419, 441 , 124 Cal.Rptr. 752 , 541 P.2d 296 ( Leach ).) If so, admission of these same fragments may also have violated the Sixth Amendment's confrontation clause, because they neither fell with

12000–2000
Lilly v. Virginia green
scotus · 1999
2 sentences

2000(E.g., Lilly v. Virginia (1999) 527 U.S. 116, 124-125 , 119 S.Ct. 1887 , 144 L.Ed.2d 117 (plur.opn.) ( Lilly ); Ohio v. Roberts (1980) 448 U.S. 56, 66 , 100 S.Ct. 2531 , 65 L.Ed.2d 597 .) However, I believe any error in the admission of these isolated segments was harmless by any applicable standard.

2000(E.g., Lilly v. Virginia (1999) 527 U.S. 116, 124-125 , 119 S.Ct. 1887 , 144 L.Ed.2d 117 (plur.opn.) ( Lilly ); Ohio v. Roberts (1980) 448 U.S. 56, 66 , 100 S.Ct. 2531 , 65 L.Ed.2d 597 .) However, I believe any error in the admission of these isolated segments was harmless by any applicable standard.

12000–2000

Statutes the citing opinions construe

CA § Cal. Evidence Code § 1230 (5) CA § Cal. Penal Code § 187 (3)

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

MA 9 (1986–2025) DC 8 (1979–2018) NM 8 (1995–2016) CA 5 (2000–2014) OR 5 (1993–2010) WV 4 (1995–2015) MD 4 (1994–2002) PA 4 (1976–2021) MO 3 (1985–1991) CT 3 (1987–2007) MI 3 (1991–1996) WI 2 (1980–2000) MN 2 (1985–1999) FL 2 (1984–2019)

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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