Commonwealth v. Mullins

I respectfully dissent. While I believe that a witness may be cross-examined as to matters tending to show interest or bias, in cases where the witness subject to cross-examination is also the victim, that victim should be treated differently from the ordinary witness. I, therefore, disagree with the majority’s conclusion that the trial court erred in precluding appellant from challenging the self-interest of the victim.

The liberalization of cross-examining witnesses creates a chilling effect on any victim of crime coming forth to testify. Mr. Demps was the victim in this case, and yet the…