STATE v. WILLIS (2024)

Writ granted. The trial court erred in sustaining the state's objection to the defendant's question about whether the witness has been involved in drug dealing from prison after the witness initially denied such activities and the defendant was in possession of jail communications that might be used to impeach the witness. Confrontation is a fundamental right. U.S. Const. amendment VII; La. Const. Art. I, section 16. Applicant has shown specific extrinsic evidence that contradicts the sworn testimony at trial of witness Sylvester. Applicant is entitled to cross-examine with this evidence to attack the credibility of the witness. La. C.E. art. 607(D)(2). Unduly repetitive or cumulative evidence may be regulated by the trial court in its discretion to conduct an orderly proceeding.

PER CURIAM