Skip to content

Commonwealth v. Meeks, 2006 WL 2819423 (Sup. Ct. Ma. 2006)

Case (cite)
Commonwealth v. Meeks, 2006 WL 2819423 (Sup. Ct. Ma. 2006)
Year
2006
State
Massachusetts
Type of proceeding
Trial
Type of claim
Evidentiary
Type of claim (second claim)
Expert evidence ruling reversing or affirming on appeal:
Admitted
What was the ruling?
Correct to Admit
Type of evidence at issue:
Firearms identification
Defense or Prosecution Expert
Prosection
Name of expert(s) who were the subject of the ruling
, Catherine Doherty
Summary of reasons for ruling
"The theory and process of firearms identification are generally accepted and reliable, and the process has been reliably applied in these cases. Accordingly, the firearms identification evidence, including opinions as to matches, may be presented to the juries for their consideration, but only if that evidence includes a detailed statement of the reasons for those opinions together with appropriate documentation."
The jurisdiction’s standard for expert admissibility at the time – list all that apply: (Frye), (Daubert), (Post-2000 Rule 702), (Other)
Daubert
Second standard
Did lower court hold a hearing
Y
Names of prosecution expert(s) two testified at hearing
Martin Lydon; Catherine Doherty; Mary-Jacque Mann; Peter Striupaitis
Names of defense expert(s) who testified at hearing (or None).
Adina Schwartz; David Lamagna
Discussion of 2009 NAS Report (NAS2009)
NAS2009
Discussion of 2016 PCAST report (PCAST)
Discussion of error rates / reliability
Y
Frye Ruling
N
Limiting testimony ruling
Language imposed by court to limit testimony
Y
Ruling based in prior precedent / judicial notice
N
Daubert ruling emphasizing – which factors – (list 1-5)
All factors
Ruling on qualifications of expert
N
Ruling on 702(a) – the expert will help / assist the jury
N
Ruling on 702(b) – the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data
Y
Ruling on 702(c) – the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods
Y
Ruling on 702(d) – reliable application of principles and methods to the facts of the case
N

Notes