Archie v. State

VEASEY, Chief Justice:

In this case, we take the occasion to clarify the rule regarding the scope of impeachment evidence. That issue arises on the cross-appeal of the State that calls into question the extent to which Rule 609(a) of the Delaware Uniform Rules of Evidence (“D.R.E.”) permits inquiry into a witness’ prior criminal history for impeachment purposes. We hold that D.R.E 609(a), like the virtually identical federal counterpart, Fed.R.Evid. 609(a), allows inquiry on cross-examination beyond the issue of whether a witness has been convicted of a felony or a crime of dishonesty. We hold…