United States v. Adams

271 F.3d. 1236 (10th Cir. 2001)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Adams (D) was found guilty of possession of a firearm in violation of 18 USC 922(g)(1). The government relied on a series of incriminating statements made by D following his arrest. D’s defense was bolstered by a report from a psychologist that said that D was not very intelligent, that given the conflicting explanations made by D about his conduct that he was not telling the truth, and that his statements were made to protect a girlfriend. D made a pretrial motion regarding the evidence, and that was denied. D tried at the onset of the trial to admit the psychologist’s report claiming it was relevant to D’s mental condition, education, and factors that could be considered in judging his credibility. The government objected to the use of the report, and it was excluded again. D took the stand, denied his statements, and said he lied to protect his girlfriend. D was found guilty. D appealed; the exclusion of the expert testimony denied him his right to due process and a fair trial.