People v. James-Robinson

This case concerns the admissibility of evidence of a defendant’s criminal record as a basis for expert opinion on the defendant’s sanity.

We hold that such evidence is admissible subject to the trial court’s discretion.

James Robinson, Jr., was charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct. MCL 750.520c(l)(a); MSA 28.788(3)(l)(a). At the jury trial, the defendant entered a defense of not guilty by reason of insanity. Dr. William Canty, a psychologist, testified on behalf of the defendant that in his opinion the defendant had been mentally ill for many years and could not have formed the…