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Bartell v. State
881 P.2d 92
Okla. Crim. App.
1994
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*1 resentencing found general provisions Contrary to assertions O.S. Appellant’s O.S.1991, Livingston op- § here. The 929. also applicable § 926 is See (Okl.Cr.1990). by State, sentencing is established tion of P.2d 1055 Accord all granting option Legislature. While ingly, properly resen- we find instance, the in the first criminal defendants provisions O.S.Supp. tenced under the Legislature determined under has 1989, § 701.10a. option that is not O.S.Supp.1989, 710.10a. alleged by Ap- of the errors After review remand, in the to all available defendants any pellant, are unable to conclude we instance. is due the fact second This requires either re- occurred which has life is only is sentence decision whether Appellant’s sen- versal or modification of specific provi- parole. or without Accordingly, the of the trial sentence tence. gen- control over the sions Section 710.10a court AFFIRMED. is 929. provisions of Sections eral Appellant argues alternative LANE, JOHNSON, V.P.J., and CHAPEL applicable to him. 701.10a is not

that Section STRUBHAR, JJ., concur. only governs 701.10a He claims Section re-sentencing procedures capital cases long As he no

that have been remanded. is Appellant argues facing penalty,

er death longer capital no and he

his case is case have been re-sentenced under O.S.

should Although Appellant § 929. not still is penalty, is still a

faced with death this re-sentencing. capital purposes case for BARTELL, Appellant, James Don level, At the trial the State’s notice of intent penalty filing to seek death regular felony particulars transforms

bill Oklahoma, Appellee. The STATE capital penalty If the into a case. death ease No. F-90-0060. conviction, imposed after a the case is is not felony appeal. appealed regular as a Howev Appeals of Oklahoma. Criminal er, imposed by the penalty once the death is fact, capital ease trier of the case remains Sept. appeal, includes resen- until direct Rehearing Denied Oct. tencing proceedings, completed. is Section specific statutory provision 701.10a is deal penalty with cases the death is wherein

initially imposed by the trier of fact and that subsequently is set

sentence aside

Court and case remanded back to It

trial court. well established that when ap arise various statutes

conflicts between situation,

plying specif same more governs.

ic of the statutes Stiles v. (Okl.Cr.1992); Holder v. (Okl.Cr.1976). specifically designed

And when statutes are situation, Legislature given to treat a intent should be effectuated. Luster (Okl.Cr.1987).

State, 746 P.2d 1159 There

fore, Legislature it follows that the intended resentencing specific statutory procedure

designed capital cases found in Title precedence Section 701.10a to take over

. *2 go, replied she

why S.B. she did want James, In re- Appellant. did not like said sponse questioning, S.B. further very something bad had made her do James *3 elaborate, long did long, for S.B. not time. Bower, mother, happened to as her Glenda weekend, The return at time. next when renewed the conversation Wilkerson again grandparents. was at her child to tell promise not S.B. made Wilkerson angry, and would be Glenda she promise made not to tell. James had S.B. Again, Fearing the did elaborate. S.B. not Wilkins, Oklahoma and Jack Steve Hess worst, Glenda. Wilkerson told City, appellant. evening by questioned S.B. that Glenda Lane, Atty., Oklahoma Asst. Dist. Wes playing game parties would City, for State. mother list who loved. S.B. told her McCullar, Benjamin Appellate Indi- Asst. wife; Debbie, she Appellant’s she but loved Defender, Norman, appellant ap- gent on he made did not love James “because what peal. do,” adding had me act was bad and she Gen., long it for a time. S.B. then told her Atty. do Loving, Susan Brimer Steve “he me suck his weenie.” Kerr, Gen., mother made Atty. City, for Asst. Oklahoma by her what meant When Glenda asked she appeal. State that, got a doll which had S.B. collector’s penis, placed and her mouth over small OPINION finger in penis. put Then S.B. her her LUMPKIN, Judge: Presiding sucking it. acted if were mouth and as she Bartell, Don was James tried holding in his penis James She said was jury in the District Court Oklahoma it in her moving and it while hand CRF-88-6937, County, time, and convict- No. long Case This act for a mouth. continued (21 Sodomy of one count of Forcible Oral ed complained had to S.B. said. When she she 888). O.S.Supp.1982, § The recom- bathroom, uri- go James told her to ' (13) to thirteen mended he be sentenced sucking on the floor. continued nate S.B. years and the trial court sen- imprisonment, “juice” point until a came out when accordingly. publish We reaffirm tenced her on James’ “weenie.” told “hole” S.B. dealing principles constitutional er- had mother she told earlier because possibility being to, rors and the of those errors told feared James had her and she Simpson v. harmless in the wake of act angry would be with her. The Glenda (Okl.Cr.1994). before, hot when it was occurred summer “James,” only knew one

out. S.B. po- then Appellant. I. Glenda contacted lice. victim, S.B., years at the The was three old However, began her Bonnie Walker was committed. Police Detective

time crime asking general, light nearly come until interview with S.B. her the act did not non-threatening had later, July 1988, questions. She then year S.B. was talk- when identify parts anatomically correct grandmother, grandmother. to her The S.B. Wilkerson, penis she on the expressed pointed con- dolls. When Ruth testified S.B. doll, “weenie,” it as a going to Bartell house with male S.B. identified cern about thought strange, spontaneously adding [or did] “But James do her mother. Wilkerson questions seemingly enjoyed response me.” to more past that to had S.B. Walker, made her S.B. stated James visiting playing Bartells with their act She continued the young Saphronia. When asked “suck his weenie.” daughter, — juice” (Okl.Cr.1991), denied, “yellow until a came out and went cert. mouth, -, (1992).1 adding 2940, 119 her she didn’t like it. Testi- mony was introduced to the effect child acknowledges State The statute grasp did not a firm of colors have unconstitutional; question was declared how- time made the she statement. S.B. said ever, responds the court’s use of the stat- clothes, James did not take off did ute analysis. to a harmless error pull pants during his down the act. The argues harmless, the error State repeated child also the incident where James presented by since the same matters were told if her to urinate on the floor she needed herself, examining S.B. as well as the doctor to, refusing stop go to let her family members. bathroom. Walker *4 related conversation Recently, Simpson Court in trial. S.B. at The interview was also (Okl.Cr.1994), 876 P.2d 690 revisited taped played jury. and for the methodology its reviewing of errors commit repeated story pediatric S.B. for a during ted trial. oppor We wish take this Hospital, resident at Children’s where she tunity to methodology examine our of review addition, was taken an In examination. ing errors when those errors are of a consti during S.B. testified related the events magnitude. tutional We reaffirm basic our trial. holding: that once an error of constitutional presented, dimensions is the burden falls was showing Evidence introduced S.B.’s upon it prove the State to is harmless Appellant attitude changed towards had from a reasonable doubt.2 friendship one of in change fear. The during attitude occurred sometime the end of summer 1987. A. A discussion of the harmless error doctrine

Appellant introduced showing evidence he as it relates to non-constitutional errors did not psychologist commit the acts. A who thoroughly Simpson. discussed Id. at Appellant Appellant tested testified not did Simpson 697-701. notes that it when came Appellant exhibit sexual abnormalities. errors, however, to constitutional courts until pointing also introduced evidence to a former relatively recently assumed a constitutional possible culprit. Ap- husband of as a Glenda always necessitated reversal. The first pellant question did not have S.B. contrary appeared hint Fahy however, sodomy; been forced to commit the Connecticut, he denied had he committed the act. (1963). That case dealt with a Fourth Amendment violation which the Con- II. acknowledged necticut held but it error. reversing harmless In the Court ob- error, proposition For his Appellant first served: alleges he denied was his Sixth Amendment case, of confrontation videotaped when the theOn facts of this it is not now

interview necessary between Walker and S.B. was for us to decide whether the played jury. for the The record not does erroneous admission evidence obtained it, it reflect seems tape by illegal clear the search and seizure can ever played pursuant O.S.Supp.1986, to 22 § 752. to the normal rules of ‘harmless provision That was declared unconstitutional error’ under the federal standard of what by this Court in Burke v. constitutes harmless error. question case, repealed

1. The statute in object- 2. In Bartell’s trial counsel Legislature 197, § 1993. See Laws c. tape's being played jury. ed to the We before repeal interpretation Such renders our presented are therefore not with a situation moot, statute and we therefore see no need to object, where counsel failed to and whether that However, reconsider it. the Court did not con- object analysis. our failure affects analysis sider a harmless error We Burke. application now address of harmless error analysis to constitutional errors. However, as harmless. errors could never be treated 84 S.Ct. at Id. 375 U.S. Id., at 827. 386 at Harlan in his was framed Justice the issue where, dissent, reviewing opinion after deciding standard should be used what below, he discussion of its applying analysis to the harmless error stated: errors, Chapman Court constitutional can recognized first “harmless-error rules brings question This me very unfair and mischievous results” work does reach: constitution- Was examples highly important giving as “when apply ally permissible for Connecticut to evidence, persuasive argument, rule to save this convic- its harmless-error forbidden, though legally way into finds vitiating tion from otherwise effect guilt or inno- trial in which the unconstitutionally the admission Id. at cence is a close one.” why not. evidence? see no reason seized purpose Court stated the 827. The necessary It is no is obvious there rule, noting all such rules harmless-error connection between the fact that evidence rule “will have their aim a save unconstitutionally de- seized and the good practices avoid- in harmless-error while gree of harm caused its admission. bad, possible.” Id. at so far as question of harmless error turns *5 to The Court then looked S.Ct. at 827-28. inadmissibility reasons for stating: opinion Fahy, in its earlier of of effect the evidence context emphasizes The federal rule ‘substantial Erroneously particular admitted case. rights’ do The as most others. California may often be more ‘constitutional’ evidence emphasizes ‘a constitutional rule miscar- prejudicial erroneously ‘un- than admitted justice,’ riage courts of but the California the harm- constitutional’ evidence. Since have neutralized this to some extent plainly affords no shield less-error rule emphasis, overemphasis, upon perhaps and might damag- prosecutors use under ‘overwhelming of evi- court’s view obtained, evidence, unconstitutionally prefer approach of this dence.’ We conviction, danger is to there no secure deciding Court in what was harmless error application will that of rule undermine Fahy of v. our recent case State of prophylactic function of the rule of Connecticut, 85, 229, 11 375 U.S. 84 S.Ct. inadmissibility. ques- L.Ed.2d 171. There we said: ‘The Id., 94, 84 at 375 U.S. at S.Ct. 234. possi- tion whether there is a reasonable is years Four later Court resolved bility complained of that the evidence The is- framed Justice Harlan. might have contributed to the conviction.’ 18, California, Chapman sue in 386 U.S. Id., 86, Although 84 at our S.Ct. (1967) 824, 17 L.Ed.2d 87 S.Ct. centered prior that are cases have indicated there acknowledged Fifth Amendment around rights a fair some constitutional so basic to commenting on a fail- violation: defendant’s be trial that their infraction can never testify ure trial. con- The defendant error,3 as this statement treated harmless no error could harm- tended constitutional Fahy itself belies belief that all trial disagreed, noting less. The Court that all 50 which violate the auto- errors Constitution states, Congress, had as well as established matically call At same for reversal. rules; noting time, however, harmless-error statutes or that like the federal harmless- distinguished statute, no rule on face between emphasizes an error intention federal constitutional errors errors not to treat as harmless those constitution- state law or federal statutes and rules. As rights’ al that ‘affect errors substantial result, though party. admitting plainly the Court determined even An rele- error applied possibly automatic reversal had been vant evidence which influenced cannot, litigant past, jury adversely to a that itself did mean constitutional See, counsel); e.g., (right Tumey [Footnote Court] L.Ed.2d 799 v. State Number Arkansas, 560, Payne Ohio, v. State U.S. 78 S.Ct. 273 U.S. S.Ct. L.Ed. (coerced confession); Gideon (impartial judge). Wainwright, 372 U.S. Pahy, be conceived of as harmless. cannot. If the error under is to the harm- error, error, Certainly analysis, harmless-beyond-a- in ille- constitutional less-error prejudicial gally admitting highly applies. reasonable-doubt standard Howev- comments, er, or casts on someone than point, other can reviewing before it reach that prejudiced by person it a burden court must first determine whether the al- that it was harmless. It leged show error can be harmless at all. original reason that the common-law harm- put less-error rule the burden on the bene- B.

ficiary prove of the error either to Chapman past observed cases injury there no suffer a reversal “indicated that there are some constitutional erroneously judgment. his obtained rights so basic to a fair trial that their infrac little, if any, There is difference between tion can never be treated harmless error.” Fahy v. State Connect- our statement in examples: Payne It v. Arkan cited three as icut about Vhether there is a reasonable sas, 356 U.S. possibility that complained the evidence confession)5; (dealing with a coerced Gideon might have contributed to the conviction’ v. Wainwright, requiring beneficiary of a constitu- (dealing counsel); L.Ed.2d prove beyond tional error a reasonable Ohio, Tumey 273 U.S. complained doubt did not (dealing impartial L.Ed. 749 with an We, contribute to the verdict obtained. judge). Chapman, 386 U.S. at and n. therefore, do no more than adhere to the 87 S.Ct. at 828 and n. 8. hold, meaning Pahy of our case when we do, as we now that before a federal consti- Beyond explicit examples, these three harmless, *6 error the Chapman opinion provided tutional can be held guidance. little be must able to declare a that However, belief recently the Court more it was harmless a reasonable has set forth a to standard determine when a doubt. analysis appropriate. harmless-error is Id. 23-24, at U.S. S.Ct. at 827-28 Fulminante, v. Arizona 279, In 499 U.S. (some omitted). footnotes It is this standard (1991), 111 S.Ct. the by Id. which this Court is bound. at involving Court faced a with case S.Ct. at 826-27.4 Fulminante, believing coerced confession. Chapman quotation

The above in danger prison, from his life in while confid- provides precept some constitutional er ed to police agent another inmate who was a harmless, rors can solely be considered agent and some because the said he would not 4. As the Court said: to sustain state conviction constitutes inde- pendent adequate ground judg- and state Whether a conviction crime should stand ment.”) when a State has failed to accord federal con- case, appeal As this direct is this Court need stitutionally guaranteed rights every bit is as Chapman not determine whether the harmless- question particular much of federal as what applies post-conviction ap error standard provisions federal constitutional themselves Abrahamson, - U.S. -, peals. See Brecht v. mean, they guarantee, what and whether -, 1710, 1713-14, 113 S.Ct. have been denied. With faithfulness to the (1993) (In deciding whether States, constitutional union of the we cannot Chapman applies harmless-error standard leave to States the of the formulation au- prosecution’s impeachment purposes use for laws, rules, designed thoritative and remedies petitioner’s post-Miranda silence re on habeas protect people by from infractions the States lief, Instead, does ”hold[s] not. federally guaranteed rights. determining standard for whether habeas relief Chapman, 386 U.S. at 87 S.Ct. at 826-27. granted Doyle must be is whether the error ‘had J., (Harlan, See at also Id. at S.Ct. injurious substantial effect or influence in dissenting) (“My understanding of our federal determining jury’s (quoting verdict.’ Kottea system, my view the rationale and func- States, kos v. United tion of harmless-error rules and their status un- (1946)). Amendment, 90 L.Ed. 1557 der the Fourteenth lead me to a veiy different conclusion. would hold that a Fulminante, appellate application state court’s 5. But reasonable of a see discussion in v. Arizona constitutionally proper state harmless-error rule below. criminal is to purpose central of a trial he told com-

protect Fulminante unless proposition, Faced plete truth. with the factual the defen- decide murdering innocence, and sex- Fulminante confessed promotes guilt dant’s leaving ually assaulting stepdaughter, his by public respect process criminal for the body in Fulminante was convict- the desert. underlying focusing on the of the fairness majority of this confession. The ed based on virtually than trial rather on the inevitable was not harm- the Court held the confession presence error.” of immaterial less; however, opinion of the value 307-08, 111 Id. at S.Ct. at 499 U.S. dealing portion lies in the this discussion Arsdall, 475 U.S. (quoting Delaware v. Van be used at all harmless error could whether (citations omitted)). at at 1436 106 S.Ct. majority appeal. analyzing The Court, through speaking Justice Rehn- Chief the “trial errors” The Court differentiated analyzed the harmless- quist, cases where from it deemed “structural defects what used,6 conclud- analysis had been then mechanism, trial the constitution ed: defy analysis ‘harmless-error’ standards.” connecting thread these cases common Wainwright, Gideon pointed It 372 U.S. error” —error is that each involved “trial (1963) (in- 792, L.Ed.2d 799 presentation during which occurred volving deprivation the total jury, there- the case to the and which Ohio, trial); Tumey 273 U.S. counsel quantitatively the con- fore assessed (1927) (involv- L.Ed. presented text of order other evidence impartial), a judge who was not as exam- admission was to determine whether observing ples, “[t]he entire conduct of the beyond a doubt. harmless reasonable beginning obviously af- trial from to end analysis to applying harmless-error these counsel crimi- fected the absence of for a violations, many constitutional different defendant, just presence nal it is the Court has been faithful belief judge impartial.” who is bench doctrine is essen- the harmless-error 309-10, Id. 499 U.S. preserve “principle

tial S.Ct. at See, trial, e.g., Mississippi, 494 U.S. defendant's silence at violation of Clemons 752-53, 1441, 1450-51, Clause); L.Ed.2d Amendment Self-Incrimination Fifth *7 (1990) (unconstitutionally jury Evans, 605, 2049, overbroad in 725 Hopper U.S. 102 S.Ct. v. 456 sentencing stage capital of a (statute structions at (1982) improperly 72 L.Ed.2d 367 for Texas, case); 249, Satterwhite v. 486 U.S. 108 bidding giving jury trial court’s a on a instruction 1792, (1988) (admission S.Ct. L.Ed.2d 284 of 100 capital lesser-included offense in a case in viola capital sentencing stage evidence case at Clause); Kentucky v. tion of the Due Process in violation of Sixth Amendment Counsel Wharton, 786, 2088, 60 441 U.S. 99 S.Ct. Clause); 263, California, U.S. Carella v. 491 266- (1979) (failure L.Ed.2d 640 instruct 67, 2419, (1989) (jury 109 105 S.Ct. L.Ed.2d 218 innocence); presumption on Moore v. Illi 458, 466, containing instruction an erroneous conclusive 220, nois, 232, 98 S.Ct. 54 434 U.S. 497, Illinois, presumption); Pope v. 481 U.S. (1977) (admission of L.Ed.2d 424 identification 501-504, 1918, 1921-1923, S.Ct. 95 L.Ed.2d 107 the Sixth evidence in violation of Amendment (1987) misstating (jury 439 an ele instruction Clause); States, Brown v. United 411 Counsel Clark, offense); 570, 478 ment Rose v. U.S. 231-232, 1565, 223, 1570-1571, 36 U.S. 93 S.Ct. 3101, (1986) (jury 106 S.Ct. 92 L.Ed.2d 460 (1973) (admission 208 out-of- L.Ed.2d containing rebuttable instruction an erroneous nontestifying statement of codefendant in court 683, presumption); Kentucky, 476 Crane U.S. Counsel violation of Sixth Amendment 691, 2142, 2147, (1986) 636 106 S.Ct. 90 L.Ed.2d 371, Clause); Wainwright, 407 Milton U.S. 92 (erroneous testimony exclusion of defendant’s re 2174, (confession (1972) 33 L.Ed.2d 1 ob S.Ct. confession); garding of his De the circumstances States, in violation of Massiah v. United tained Arsdall, 673, laware v. S.Ct. Van 475 U.S. 106 201, 1199, 12 246 U.S. S.Ct. L.Ed.2d 1431, (1986) (restriction L.Ed.2d 42, (1964)); Maroney, 52- Chambers v. U.S. right defendant’s to cross examine witness for 1975, 1981-1982, 26 S.Ct. L.Ed.2d 419 Con bias violation Sixth Amendment (1970) (admission of evidence obtained in viola Clause); Spain, frontation Rushen v. 464 U.S. Amendment); 114, 117-118, 453, 454-455, the Fourth Coleman v. Ala tion of and n. S.Ct. 1, 10-11, bama, (denial 90 S.Ct. 2003- (1983) n. 78 L.Ed.2d 267 (denial (1970) trial); at of counsel right present to be at defendant’s United preliminary hearing in violation the Sixth Hasting, States v. 461 U.S. 103 S.Ct. Clause). (1983) (improper Counsel comment Amendment why other see no The Court noted the addition of eases reason denial of face-to-face Chapman original stating: list7 before confrontation should be treated the same. An assessment of harmlessness deprivations Each of these constitutional cannot consideration of include whether affecting a similar structural defect testimony the witness’ would have been proceeds, framework within which the trial unchanged, jury’s or the assessment unal- simply an the trial rather than error tered, confrontation; had there been such process pro- basic itself. “Without these inquiry obviously pure would involve tections, reliably a criminal trial cannot speculation, and harmlessness must there- serve as a for determi- its function vehicle fore be determined on the basis of the innocence, guilt nation of and no crimi- remaining evidence. The Iowa punishment regarded nal be as funda- Court had no occasion to address the mentally fair.” issue, harmlessness since it found no con- at at (quoting Id. Rose v. stitutional violation. In the circumstances Clark, 577-578, 478 U.S. at at 3106 ease, of this rather than decide whether (citation omitted). See also Brecht v. Abra beyond the error was harmless a reason- hamson, U.S. -, -, doubt, able leave the issue for the we (habeas (1993) 123 L.Ed.2d below. corpus reaffirming case Fulminante harm analysis on less-error trial-error-versus- 1021-22, Id. 487 U.S. at basis). structural-defect Using guideline previously applied this as we This discussion is intended neither to be Shipman init merely exhaustive nor all-inclusive. It shows (Okl.Cr.1991), easily canwe therefore exam- principled methodology this Court uti- remaining ine the this case to analysis lizes in its of constitutional issues videotape use of determine whether was it. before harmless a reasonable doubt. Having scope determined the constitu- deprived was not of his tional error it can harmless and when ability to confront cross-examine the vic applied, judice. we turn to sub the issue Therefore, tim trial. his of confron allega at trial tation was denied and C. only tion to address the lack of seeks clearly process This is an error in the trial confrontation and cross-examination at the videotape, itself. Without the can tape time the video In addition made. “quantitatively assess[ ]” the “context of oth testimony, testimony prop there S.B.’s presented er evidence in order to determine erly O.S.Supp.1986, admitted under 12 tape] [admission whether the video grandmother, 2803.1 from the child’s beyond a harmless reasonable doubt.” Ful *8 doctor, mother and her all of which mirrored minante, 307-08, at 499 U.S. 111 S.Ct. at addition, testimony at the child’s trial. In by Coy 1264. This is supported view v. grandmother both the and the mother testi Iowa, 1012, 2798, 487 U.S. 108 101 Appellant changed fied S.B.’s toward attitude (1988), Court, in which the al from one of to affection one of fear toward though reversing, left room for harmless er 1987, end of about the the summer of the analysis: ror place. testimony time the act took That recognized types We have longer that other the no to visit showed child wanted household, nearly violations of the Confrontation Clause are the Bartell and became analysis, hysterical Additionally, to that harmless-error see if forced to do so. a Arsdall, U.S., e.g., v. Appellant’s place Delaware Van at from records custodian 679, 1435, 1437-38], at Appellant during [106 S.Ct. and work testified was off work 254, (the Vasquez Hillery, (1984) self-representation 617,, v. 474 U.S. at (1986) (unlawful trial); 39, 49, 88 L.Ed.2d 598 exclusion of Georgia, v. 467 U.S. n. Waller grand members of the defendant's race from a 9, 2210, 9, 104 S.Ct. 2217 n. 81 L.Ed.2d 31 jury); Wiggins, v. McKaskle 177- 465 U.S. (1984) trial). (the right public n. 79 L.Ed.2d 950-51 n. Second, we Appellant Simpson, 876 P.2d at 701. find place. the took Even

the time act hap- anatomically something had the use correct dolls this his wife admitted categorized child; as scientific the that she was not as situation cannot be pened to Appellant as she had evidence. affectionate toward believed Appellant Both his wife been. doctor, Campbell, Denise Scott inter- abused; they sexually the child had been taHng history S.B. from a viewed after culprit. the simply denied only confu- social worker. She related the evidence, S.B. had about incident was its overwhelming we sion light In of this frequency: hap- have though she indicated it videotape, the admission of hold more once. told unconstitutional, pened than S.B. then rea- was harmless then what occurred. She demonstrated sonable doubt. acts, trial, using dolls. S.B. Likewise only used the dolls to demonstrate the act III. jury relating had after what occurred. error, Appel- assignment For his second pre find it We difficult believe allowing erred in lant contends the court school-age such as could make child S.B. testimony hear and see demonstra- Rather, of scientific effective use evidence. anatomically involving correct dolls. tions evidence, the dolls here demonstrative were used dolls to demonstrate S.B. in that were “not ... involved again pediatric resident and at trial what had event, litigable for illustra [were] offered instances, occurred to her. both use purposes only to tive make other evidence dolls recollection followed S.B.’s verbal comprehensible fact.” 2 more for the trier of of the incident.8 Whinery, L. Commen Oklahoma Evidence: appeal, Appellant claims the court On tary long Law Evidence at 424. So erred use of the dolls did meet “possesses] demonstrative evidence reliability the scientific standard enunciated degree accuracy representational nec States, 46, 47, Frye App.D.C. v. United essary to purposes fulfill their illustrative (1923). the stan 293 F. This is courtroom,” it need not meet some traditionally has used in dard Court admissibility stricter standards of as so- dealing with scientific evidence. See Yell v. “real” Id. called evidence. This Court has State, (Okl.Cr.1993); 856 P.2d admissibility held the of demonstrative evi (Okl.Cr State, P.2d Moore v. dence within the discretion of the trial State, .1990); P.2d Plunkett v. court, will whose discretion not be disturbed (OH.Cr.1986); State, Driskell Ngu absent abuse of discretion. See (Okl.Cr.1983). 343, (Okl.Cr.1988) State, yen 769 P.2d (admitting appellant the rela a shirt We note the existence of into evidence tively nearby apartment night pronouncement recent the United had left on the error.); States Daubert v. Merrell of the murders not Owens v. (Okl.Cr.1987) Pharmaceuticals, Inc., -, (admitting 960-61 Dow 509 U.S. (1993) pellet pistol that victim testified looked like gun appellant the introduction of the Evidence Code has “showed” her before he error); effectively Frye. raped Coggin The circum- her not overruled *9 1182,1185 (Okl.Cr.1987) preclude (holding from re- stances this case us P.2d refusal examining Frye tape our of the test as of court to an video use it admit educational First, pertains to the of Post our own Evidence Code. effects Traumatic Stress Dis objections, outweighed waiving probative we note the order its absence value proposition appeal plain, prejudicial appellant for all but effect not error; O.S.1991, 2104(A); repeating admissibility § 12 reversible error. demons- it, Appellant doll did raise but the record also ticular S.B. chose “a collector’s item not penis just happens shows S.B. act to and it to have kind of a little demonstrated sexual by using mother a collector’s doll the mother on it.” The mother said S.B. demonstrated the "put kept par- by taking at the act this doll and it in her mouth.” house. The mother testified the

101 question support a legal trative evidence is rele- his conviction. We reviewed that vance that is within the discretion of the trial evidence above connection our harm court). analysis. repeat less-error not We need it light here. In the most favorable to the jurisdictions Other faced with the prosecution, there is sufficient evidence to anatomically correct dolls have reached any allow rational trier of fact to find the requirements Frye need conclusion the the crime elements of reasonable involving applied techniques not be ana State, Spuehler doubt. 203-04 Oslund, tomically In correct dolls. State v. ( Okl.Cr.1985). (Minn.App.1991), N.W.2d 489 tests, deemed the were not dolls scientific V. tools,” adding “primarily but illustrative an Appellant next contends his sentence interpretation expert aspect by an is “a small He was excessive. sentenced to 13 testimony expert derived from these years imprisonment. punish The maximum techniques.” at 494-95. In Id. Matter of years. ment law allowed was 20 This Rinesmith, Mich.App. 376 N.W.2d repeatedly Court has will stated it not dis (1985), appeals 141-42 court held the turb a sentence unless it is so excessive that use of the dolls does rise to the level it shocks the conscience of Court. Bris rule, subject Frye scientific ob test State, (Okl.Cr.1988); tol v. 764 P.2d serving are not “[t]he dolls calculated to elicit State, (OH.Cr. 1342,1346 Casady v. 721 P.2d particular permit result tool to 1986); Moore v. 501 P.2d children to communicate ideas which are (Okl.Cr.1972). nothing There is shocking express” age unable to because of lack of or about this sentence. forced a vocabulary. also See Commonwealth him, three-year-old girl effecting to sodomize Trenholm, Mass.App. 442 N.E.2d profound change in the child’s outlook to (1982); Garrison, People 166 Mich. This proposition wards him. final is without App. (1988), vacat N.W.2d merit. ed on grounds, other 436 Mich. (1990); Accordingly, Jenkins, Appellant’s conviction is AF- N.W.2d 226 State v. (N.Dak.1982); Lee, FIRMED. N.W.2d 67 State v. 9 Ohio

App.3d (1983), ap N.E.2d 910 all LANE, Judge, specially concurring: proving anatomically use of correct dolls. disagree majority I do not with the when it Therefore, since the evidence a sci is not subjects admitting tape the error in to a requires entific test in it the sense a certain However, analysis. harmless error I do not reliability, Frye scientific test —or necessary. think it establishing reliability other test or trustwor my thiness, Daubert, dissent Burke v. see 509 U.S. at - n. (Okl.Cr.1991) expressed my I view that 113 S.Ct. at n. L.Ed.2d at n. 22 O.S.Supp.1986, 752 did violate the apply. 9 — need not And since the evidence Confrontation Clause of either state possessed here degree represen also constitutions, federal and that necessary tational fulfill accuracy illus code, limitations courtroom, evidence video purpose trative rele taped statement of a child victim vant and its was not admission error. nothing tape I find admissible. or its Therefore, plain we no see necessi- use that would make it inadmissible under tating proposition reversal. This is without code, and therefore vote to merit. using affirm the conviction without analysis. error” “harmless IV. JOHNSON, Presiding Judge, Vice Appellant’s The remainder of conten *10 dissenting:

tions do not necessitate extended discussion. error, For in proposition agree Judge Chapel his third of I the of dissent herein, doing clarify my contends to to there was insufficient evidence so I need majority opin- analysis part I that I from the agree with position as to the dissent. also ion. analysis Judge Chapel that a harmless error may applied videotape the that was be to explicitly majority the does not so While § I was pursuant to O.S. admitted state, it is that the unconstitutional clear opinion as it relates to such the author the videotape plain of the here was admission (Okl.Cr.1991), State, 820 P.2d 1344 had majority *11 principal advantage took

their witness and opportunity argument. In the video-

tape saw and heard the child-victim

respond questions an uncontradicted

and unexamined account crime. Tulsa, Pat Padgett, petitioner. A. say beyond cannot reasonable doubt that A; this evidence did not contribute to the ver- Flynn Riggin, Tulsa, Robert Matt dict. I would reverse Bartell’s conviction respondents. remand for trial. a new

MEMORANDUM OPINION HUNTER, Presiding Judge: (Claimant) Judy Briggs was awarded compensation workers’ upon benefits the tri- finding al court’s permanent partial dis- ZEBCO MOTORGUIDE National ability. The trial court also ordered continu- Company,

Union Fire Insurance ing medical treatment for Claimant in the Petitioners, prescription form of medications. Petition- challenge ers the trial court’s order authoriz- ing continuing medical treatment for Claim- Judy K. BRIGGS and Workers’ ant allege finding perma- Compensation Court, disability nent receiving bars from Claimant Respondents. further prescription medical treatment or No. 82555. medications, relying on the case of Bill Gillum, Hodges Company Truck (Okl.1989). Oklahoma, Appeals Court of In Hodges Company, Truck No. 3. Division permanent Court determined that once dis- April ability begins, to receive further Aug. Ordered Published by operation medical treatment ceases of law except very explicitly under limited and au- thorized situations. The Court noted that nursing under the health and services autho- 14, permanently § rized under 85 O.S. dis- abled worker receive services which do improvement not afford an or alteration condition, physical worker’s but constitute merely day-to-day maintenance the work- er’s permanently condition. In disabled find- ing that request Gillum’s for a heart trans- plant category, did not fall within that “[bjecause explained post- regarded award claim cannot be as one for day-to-day care but is maintenance rather to surgical be treated as an one for invasive procedure designed produce an anatomical change, it must the same meet standards of proof applicable as those which are to a reopening proceeding for additional medical injured services on an recurrence of worker’s healing period.” P.2d at 1066-1067. contrast, seeking Claimant herein is not n surgical procedure invasive medical Burke v. notes Bartell statute. error. The that — -, denied, opportunity to confront and cross-exam- t. the U.S. cer trial, (1992). the chüd- ine the chüd-victim that 119 L.Ed.2d 565 mother, grandmother, and doctor victim’s analysis is at- the harmless error When them, chüd that testified as what the told case, say beyond a to this one cannot tached testimony change chüd’s of atti- the showed the that reasonable doubt evidence tude, had an and evidence showed Bartell tape, was evi- there little other video since In con- opportunity to commit crime. jury dence, finding did lead to the cluding “overwhelming this evidence” and contribute to their verdict. harmless, videotape of the renders admission majority disregards the of the substance opinion wholly Burke fails to discuss CHAPEL, Judge, dissenting: videotape. harmful of the effects Proposition I Bartell that his claims Bartell The here is whether reversed the trial conviction must be able to confront and cross-examine was videotape of the child-vic court admitted trial, oppor- chüd-victim at but whether such videotape The tim’s out-of-court statements. videotaped were tunities avaüable O.S.Supp.1986, to 22 pursuant admitted was Burke, They at 1348. statement. § declared unconstitutional was allowed the videotape were not. Use of the (Okl.Cr.1991), P.2d 1344 Burke improperly bolster the chüd-vietim’s State — -, denied, cert. by “essentially presenting] prin- evidence (1992). agree I Burke, As in cipal witness twice.” id. Burke, majority videotape con and was that admission chüd-victim testified error, testimony was not plain disagree I cross-examined but but because stitutes three harmless, impeached. In addition the State finding with the error was closing argument times asked the I dissent. remember chüd-vietim’s statements majority’s expla I welcome the extensive majority videotape. The mischaracter- for constitu nation standard review testimony “mir- the other as izes witnesses’ recently error discussed tional which was roring” that the chüd the adults’ when (Okl.Cr.1 Simpson 876 P.2d 690 actually was clearer and more co- 994).1 majority’s analysis of As detañed unsurprisingly, testi- herent. Not the chüd’s clear, makes relevant Court cases mony gave the crime a consistent account of the Confrontation Clause violations of vague the child- but was as to detaüs. Whüe (as amounting opposed to struc to trial error was who had victim certain committed crime, validity) identify she unable to Bartell tural defects that rob the trial of its (identification proved through oth- court analysis. to harmless-error witnesses). er may thus harmless- This Court conduct a analysis videotape in eases where a has Any analysis include harmless-error must improperly been admitted under against a defen- both the admissible evidence In every Burke. such case the must be State fact and the harm in caused dant prove beyond able to a reasonable doubt presented against error. Other evidence However, the error did complained oppor- not contribute the State had the Bartell. tunity testimony of application improperly It is in the of this bolster the conviction. Abrahamson, puzzled by majority’s paragraph second of foot- cite to Brecht am -, opinion. majority note This is indeed -U.S. (1993), appeal proper direct held which concerns the standard from trial in a district relief, Oklahoma, corpus inapposite as well reference either state or federal habeas provisions unnecessary. corpus federal habeas is irrelevant.

Case Details

Case Name: Bartell v. State
Court Name: Court of Criminal Appeals of Oklahoma
Date Published: Sep 2, 1994
Citation: 881 P.2d 92
Docket Number: F-90-0060
Court Abbreviation: Okla. Crim. App.
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