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On Thursday, June 25, the Supreme Court announced its decision in Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts. In this case, the Supreme Court considered whether crime lab reports constitute the kind of testimonial evidence which implicates the Sixth Amendment’s protection of the accused’s right “to be confronted with the witnesses against him.” In a 5-4 decision delivered by Justice Scalia, the Court held that the admission of crime lab reports at trial as prima facie evidence of what they assert violates the Sixth Amendment’s Confrontation Clause, reversing the Appeals Court of Massachusetts’ decision below. Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth attorney John Shu discusses the decision.

Oral Argument - November 10, 2008:

http://www.supremecourtus.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/07-591.pdf

 

Decision - June 25, 2009:
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/08pdf/07-591.pdf

 

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