United States v. Vincent B. Walker

BAZELON, Chief Judge:

The only issue warranting discussion in this case concerns the trial judge’s refusal to permit defense counsel to cross-examine a government witness on the daily dosage of a heroin addict.1

Appellant was convicted of two counts of federal narcotic violations based on his possession of 36 capsules of heroin. Count one was based on 26 U.S.C. § 4704 (a), which requires the government to prove that appellant knowingly purchased, dispensed or distributed heroin not in or from the original tax-stamped package. This statute permits, but does not require, the jury to infer guilt…