View this case and other resources at:
Brief Fact Summary. No facts of the case are provided.
Synopsis of Rule of Law. A complainant’s testimony in a rape case must be corroborated by independent evidence that would permit the jury to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim’s account of the crime was not fabricated.
Issue. Was the complainant’s testimony in the rape case adequately corroborated by independent evidence to support the defendant’s conviction? What constitutes adequate corroboration of independent evidence in a rape case?
Held. No. Defendant’s conviction reversed. The testimony must be corroborated by independent evidence permitting the jury to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim’s account of the crime is truthful.
In this circuit, the elements of aiding and abetting are: (1) the specific intent to facilitate the commission of a crime by another; (2) guilty knowledge on the part of the accused; (3) that an offense was being committed by someone; and (4) that the accused assisted or participated in the commission of the offense.
View Full Point of Law