People v. Allen

Social scientists have been conducting research into the ability of one human being to identify another. Whether such an expert should be allowed to testify in a criminal case is a matter of broad discretion for the trial court. In light of the specific circumstances of this case, we hold reversible error was committed when the trial court refused to allow an expert to testify. We reverse the defendant’s conviction and remand for a new trial.

This was a jury trial. The defendant, Walter Allen, was convicted of attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, and aggravated battery with a firearm. He…