State v. Forbes, 2007-573 (N.H. S.Ct., Aug. 6, 2008)

Topics: Admission, Hearsay, In Camera Review, Rule 801, Sexual Assault, Unsustainable Exercise of Discretion

Case Information
Document Type: 
Opinion
Case name: 
State v. Forbes
Date: 
Aug 6 2008
Docket Number: 
2007-573
Justice: 
Duggan, James E.
Jurisdiction: 
N.H. S.Ct.

DUGGAN, J. The defendant, John Forbes, was convicted by a jury in Superior Court of one count of aggravated felonious sexual assault. See RSA 632-A:2, II (2007). On appeal, he argues that the Trial Court (Coffey, J.) erred in admitting evidence of his silence as an adoptive admission pursuant to New Hampshire Rule of Evidence 801(d)(2)(B). Because we agree that the trial court unsustainably exercised its discretion by admitting this evidence, we reverse and remand.