Background

• Jackson was convicted after a jury trial of aggravated battery, two counts of first-degree cruelty to children, second-degree cruelty to children, and possession of marijuana regarding T.M., the four-year-old son of his girlfriend.
• T.M. suffered severe burns, multiple injuries, dehydration, and infection; burns reportedly occurred while under Jackson's care in mid-November 2006, with medical treatment delayed until November 20.
• Police found Jackson asleep with a marijuana cigar and marijuana in the residence; Jackson gave a Miranda-appropriate statement admitting some abusive conduct and ownership of some marijuana.
• T.M. forensic and trial testimony, along with a burns specialist, indicated injuries were consistent with child abuse and not with Jackson’s account of events.
• The trial court admitted expert and lay testimony; the jury found Jackson committed aggravated battery, two counts of first-degree cruelty to children, second-degree cruelty to children, and possession of marijuana.
• Jackson argued insufficient evidence and ineffective assistance of counsel; the appellate court affirmed without error.

Issues

Key Cases Cited

• Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (1979) (standard for evidentiary sufficiency review)
• Reed v. State, 285 Ga. 64 (2009) (prosecution and expert testimony standards)
• Harvey v. State, 284 Ga. 8 (2008) (expert testimony and evidentiary considerations)
• Wallace v. State, 306 Ga.App. 118 (2010) (trial evidentiary issues and review)
• Knight v. State, 242 Ga.App. 363 (2000) (trial preparation and investigation standards)
• Lacey v. State, 288 Ga. 341 (2010) (prosecutorial comments on failure to testify)
• Jennings v. State, 282 Ga. 679 (2007) (commentary on defense proof and strategy)