Appellant, William Satele, Reply Brief - California Courts - State of ...
Appellant, William Satele, Reply Brief - California Courts - State of ...
Appellant, William Satele, Reply Brief - California Courts - State of ...
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THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN PERMITTING THE<br />
PROSECUTORTO PRESENT REBUTTAL EVIDENCE<br />
THAT APPELLANT ALLEGEDLY STRUCK ANOTHER<br />
INMATE WHILE IN COUNTY JAIL.<br />
The trial court abused its discretion in allowing the prosecutor to present<br />
rebuttal evidence that appellant struck another inmate in county jail. This<br />
evidence was admitted in violation <strong>of</strong> Evidence Code section 352 and also<br />
constituted improper rebuttal evidence. Because <strong>of</strong> its highly prejudicial nature,<br />
the error compels reversal <strong>of</strong>the judgment.<br />
A. The Constitutional Aspects OfThis Issue Are Not Waived.<br />
Respondent claims the constitutional aspects <strong>of</strong> this Issue are forfeited<br />
because these claims were not raised at trial. (RB at p. 197.)<br />
Under the principles discussed more fully above (ante, at pp. 21-27), this<br />
issue is not waived. These principles include the fact that an appellate court has<br />
inherent power to review an issue in spite <strong>of</strong> a party's failure to perfectly phrase<br />
that issue; the fact that there is an exception to the waiver rule regarding issues<br />
relating to the deprivation <strong>of</strong> fundamental, constitutional rights; and the fact that<br />
there is an exception to the waiver rule that provides that an objection may be<br />
excused when the issue involved is a pure question <strong>of</strong> law. Finally, because, as<br />
noted above, whether the waiver rule is to be applied is largely a question <strong>of</strong> the<br />
appellate court's discretion, this court should address the constitutional aspects <strong>of</strong><br />
this issue.<br />
B. Respondent's Arguments Are Misplaced<br />
Respondent completely fails to address the core <strong>of</strong> appellant's argument,<br />
i.e., the fact that there was no evidence from which it could be inferred that<br />
appellant's alleged assault on another inmate was motivated by racial animosity.<br />
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