State v. Stegmann

In my view there was prejudicial error in the trial in the admission of much of the character evidence and in the prosecutor’s closing argument.

The testimony of several of the character witnesses in response to the district attorney’s questions regarding the “basis” for earlier and properly expressed opinions constituted an improper effort by the State to prove, over objection of the defendant, the character of the prosecuting witness by specific acts and personal opinion. The witness Judson was allowed to testify that his opinion of the prosecuting witness’ character was based upon “personal…