State v. Scott

Analysis and Decision

1. Police officer's opinion on offensive and defensive wounds.

[¶9.] In the following exchange, defense counsel asked Officer Huemoeller to relate her "training and experience about individuals who end up with scratch marks on their hands[.]"

Officer Huemoeller: It can be either defense wounds or it can be from causing injuries themselves.

Defense Counsel: How would one end up with injuries on their hands from causing injuries to themselves?

Officer Huemoeller: If they were to strike someone, they could cause bruising or scratching to their knuckles.

Defense Counsel: So the…