okay, that's funny.
INAL. BUT I do think the Appellate process is pretty interesting.
And - sure - it's time for for the (overdue) Appellate briefs on this case. AND, per most recent Appellant filing, the exhibits related to the security footage of the white van are MISSING from the record. (So, not really a coincidence). Those videos are holding Appellate things up. Along with the Franks exhibits.
Anyway, here's an interesting technical point as to the security video evidence:
The MTCE (Motion to Correct Errors) states that security video is the
State's evidence - which the State collected as their investigation evidence, and then the State provided that evidence to the Defense - as required - in the State's discovery package.
BW testified to times that differ from the State's security video evidence. It's presumed the State knows/should know their own evidence facts. AND, the State has the "
duty to correct false witness testimony".
The Defense's MTCE states the video timeline is correct (except for am/pm) and the witness's timeline is off 12 minutes. MTCE references case-law from Napue v. Illinois as to this burden that was on the prosecution to correct BW's errors.
Here's a link for the Napue v Illinois case law mentioned, with a relevant quote.
Henry NAPUE, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
The Trial Court also received the State's response to the MTCE and decided not to hear any of the issues raised in the defense's Motion to Correct Errors.
*******
I just find the Appellate process to be interesting. Along with the applicable case law.
I'm wondering what specific issues and law - after sifting through years and years of stuff - these experts will select for argument. The first hints came last week.
Agree the higher court will uphold the lower court's findings ... UNLESS they find that there were
significant errors - as to trial process - that may have influenced the jury and/or the lower court's decisions along the way.
If the Appellate finds the trial has no significant errors, the Appellate will uphold the lower court, no problem.
JMO & not a lawyer