State v. Allen

Two police officers testified as to the substance and apparent seriousness of defendant’s alleged confession. Defendant then testified about a different version of the conversations, and claimed they had occurred in obvious jest. The prosecution then called a deputy district attorney and another attorney who were allowed to testify that the police officers had a good reputation for veracity in the community.

This was error under ORS 45.620 and the Oregon cases interpreting that statute, primarily State v. Louie Hing, 77 Or 462, 151 P 706 (1915). ORS 45.620 provides that "[ejvidence of the good…