The following excerpt is from U.S.A v. Greer, Docket No. 09-4362-cr (2nd Cir. 2011):
The government argues that the tattoo in this case was not "testimonial." We disagree. Whether a communication is testimonial for Fifth Amendment purposes "often depends on the facts and circumstances of the particular case." Doe v. United States, 487 U.S. 201, 214-15 (1988). "[I]n order to be testimonial, an accused's communication must itself, explicitly or implicitly, relate a factual assertion or disclose information. Only then is a person compelled to be a 'witness' against himself." Id. at 210.
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.