Brief Of Amicus Curiae National Association Of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Support of Petition for Writ of Certiorari.

Argument: Broad forfeiture rules chill vital defense arguments. Broad forfeiture rules force defendants into a Hobson’s choice between constitutional rights. Broad forfeiture rules undermine the institution of the criminal trial. NACDL submits this brief in support of the petition for certiorari because the issue presented in this case—whether a criminal defendant who “opens the door” to responsive evidence also forfeits the right to exclude evidence otherwise barred by the Confrontation Clause—is of paramount importance to criminal defense attorneys throughout the country and the clients they represent. 

Amicus curiae brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in support of appellant.

Argument: Newspaper reporter was called by government to explain quotes attributed to defendant regarding backdating of stock options, and the trial court overruled the reporter’s motion to quash his subpoena on reporter’s privilege ground. However, when defendant sought to cross-examine reporter, the court deferred to the reporter’s claim of privilege and dictated a few open-ended questions the court would permit defense counsel to ask. The process denied defendant’s fundamental Sixth Amendment right to confront the witness and challenge the government’s evidence.