Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts PDF

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Summary

Evidence 2020 Case brief from George Fisher edition 3 (newest edition)...

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MELENDEZ-DIAZ v. MAS Supreme Court of the Unite 2009 WL 1789468 (U FACTS: Parties: Appellant: Melendez-Diaz (Δ) Appellee: Procedural History: 

Trial court convicted Δ

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MA appeals court affirmed

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Supreme Court of MA denied cert

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Supreme Court of US granted cert

Relevant Facts: 

Δ was in a car that was picking up an employ

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Δ was arrested when police set up a sting at

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Police recovered more drugs and sent them f

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The confrontation clause requires the analys

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Lab data not immune to distortion

DISPOSITION OF THE COURT: 

Reversed

RULE OF LAW: 

Confrontation Clause

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A defendant’s right to confront those who be o A witness’s testimony against a defen appears at trial or, if the witness is un opportunity for cross examination

HOLDING: 

An analyst’s affidavit is an ex parte testimon to the Δ’s right of confrontation

COURT’S REASONING:  

The certifications fall within the core class o Crawford The certification from MA is analogous to an i h li f i i l d C f d...