State v. Williams

Defendant was convicted of second degree murder. Former ORS 163.020. He appeals asserting several errors.

The principal problem relates to the denial of a motion for a new trial, based upon the failure of the state to advise the defendant of knowledge in its possession concerning the lengthy arrest record of the decedent. The chief issue at the trial was whether the defendant shot the deceased in self-defense.

Following arraignment, the state, at the request of defendant’s counsel and in accordance with its usual policy, made its file available to him. At that time, the file contained reports…