State v. Anderson

The State of Wisconsin (State) seeks review of a court of appeals’ decision ordering a new trial for the defendant, John Mann Anderson (Anderson).

Anderson was convicted on several counts relating to his possession of a short-barreled shotgun. At trial, Anderson contended that his possession of the gun was privileged. In support of this defense, he sought to introduce two out-of-court statements made by his brother Luther. The statements exculpated Anderson and subjected Luther to criminal liability.

The trial court excluded the statements primarily on the grounds that they lacked sufficient…