Handley v. State

OPINION

BURKE, Justice.

The pivotal issue in these appeals 1 is whether the trial court erred in determining whether a witness was qualified to testify as an expert. We believe error was committed and reverse and remand the case for a new trial.

After trial by jury in the superior court, Joseph Handley was convicted of first degree murder 2 and shooting with in- tent to kill. 3 Handley’s defense to each of those charges was one of diminished capacity. 4 While he did not dispute the state’s allegation that he had shot two people, killing one of them, Handley claimed that these acts were done…