What is the test for limiting defense counsel's cross-examination?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Luna, B269629 (Cal. App. 2018):

The court used harsh terms to underscore the irrelevance of defense counsel's questioning. It did nothing more. Its comments did not touch on the presumption of innocence. Defendant's argument that his cross-examination was improperly limited lacks merit because a defendant is not entitled to ask irrelevant questions. " '[T]he trial court retains wide latitude in restricting cross-examination that is repetitive, prejudicial, confusing of the issues, or of marginal relevance.' " (People v. Chatman (2006) 38 Cal.4th 344, 372.)

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