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This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

D was indicted for first-degree murder. Four witnesses testified at trial. Three of them were called by the State and supported the first-degree murder conviction. The fourth witness, Trammell, was called by D and supported his contention that the shooting was self-defense. During cross-examination, Trammell was asked twice if he did not tell Mr. Tate that he was not at the scene of the homicide and in both instances Trammell answered in the affirmative. On recross, D wanted to show why Trammell had made those statements to Tate; he was afraid of Tate as (I believe from the facts implied) that he was an officer of the law and was also a nephew of the victim. That opportunity was denied, and D was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and appealed.

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