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

During trial, the Government called Papse as a witness. A long-handled ax was offered into evidence during his testimony. Papse identified the ax as the one used in the assault in that he was pretty sure it was the one. The ax had actually been taken from Johnson's (D) residence five days after the assault. D objected to the introduction of the ax as there had not been sufficient foundation or authentication. The ax was admitted, and D was convicted and appealed; the witness failed to testify that he could distinguish the ax shown him as the one used in the assault and any other ax. D appealed.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

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Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.