California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from The People v. Ennis, B212811, Los Angeles County Super. Ct. No. MA039033 (Cal. App. 2011):
Although we conclude that the statement was hearsay, not falling within any exception, the error in admitting it was harmless. A reviewing court will reverse a conviction only when a defendant is prejudiced by the error. (People v. Watson (1956) 46 Cal.2d 818, 836 (Watson).) That is, a conviction will only be reversed when it is reasonably probable a result more favorable to the defendant would have occurred in the absence of the error. (Ibid.) In this case, ample evidence supports the jury's verdict. Several witnesses testified--including defendant--that he was at the Food-4-Less on the night of the shooting. Store cameras confirm his presence at the store, and that he was
Page 14
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.