Law Updates for June 11, 2010

Ferrey. 35 FLW 1242, 3rd DCA. Hearsay - Court was correct to order a new trial where the victim and the detective referred to the victim's neighbor, a non-testifying witness. Statements of the non-testifying witness inferred that the witness had observed the defendant. The defendant's right to confront the witness was violated. The error was pervasive court; did not abuse discretion in ordering a new trial.

McNeal, 35 FLW 1261, 2nd DCA, Fact that the dog had been trained and certified, "standing" alone is insufficient to give officers probable cause to search based on dog's alert. Trial court must consider other factors, including dog's past performance in the field.


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