Constitution's Confrontation Clause Ruling Felt in Virginia
Defense cross examination must have access to forensic examiners.
The Associated Press
WFLS News
Date published: 7/3/2009
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling about
the Constitution's Confrontation Clause is already being felt in
Virginia.
The court ruled June 25 that prosecutors must make forensic
examiners available for defense cross-examination about lab reports
on drugs and other trial evidence. Virginia law leaves it up to the
defense to call those witnesses if they want to challenge any lab
reports.
Defense attorneys in Virginia began citing the Supreme Court
ruling immediately after it was issued. However, the attorney
general's office contends the Virginia law is still binding. That
law has been upheld by the state Supreme Court, but is now on
appeal to the justices in Washington.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Date published: 7/3/2009
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