NACDL - Hemphill v. State of New York

Hemphill v. State of New York

Brief of Amicus Curiae National Association Of Criminal Defense Lawyers In Support Of Petitioner.

Hemphill v. State of New York

Brief Details

Case No.: 20-637
Brief Filed: June 29, 2021
Jurisdiction: United States Supreme Court

Key Topics in the Brief

Confrontation Clause | Opening the Door Doctrine | Right to Exclude

Briefs

Hemphill-v-State-of-New-York-Brief.pdf

Prior Decision

Decision below 35 N.Y.3d 1035 (N.Y. June 25, 2020)

Argument(s)

When a defendant opens the door to responsive evidence, he does not also forfeit his right to exclude evidence otherwise barred by the Confrontation Clause. The New York rule chills vital defense arguments. The New York rule forces defendants into a Hobson’s choice between constitutional rights. The New York rule undermines the institution of the criminal trial.

Author(s)

Nicholas D. Marais, Melissa L. Cornell, L. Nicole Allan, and Taylor L. Reeves, Keker, Van Nest & Peters, LLP, San Francisco, CA; Joshua L. Dratel, NACDL, Washington, DC.