State v. Styles

The issue before the court is the scope of cross-examination of defense character witnesses.

Defendant was convicted of assault in the second degree, involving the use of a firearm. The charge arose out of a shooting incident in a tavern in Burlington on April 29, 1977. Defendant and the victim were playing pool when a disagreement arose. Defendant took a loaded pistol from his clothing and placed it on the table. The victim threw the gun on the floor and defendant picked it up. According to the victim, defendant shot at him and the bullet struck the floor between his feet. Defendant and a…