The Case Brief : U.S. v. Clemons

UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee,
v. Eugene Milton CLEMONS, II, a/k/a “Gene,” a/k/a “Dean,”
Dedrick Germond Smith, a/k/a Derrick, Defendants-Appellants.

United States Court of Appeals,
Eleventh Circuit (1994).

Parties: United States of America (Plaintiff-Appellee) v. Eugene Milton Clemons, Dedrick Germond Smith (Defendants-Appellants).

Facts: Eugene Clemons and Dedrick Smith were convicted of murdering a federal agent engaged in the performance of his official duties. Also, Clemons was convicted of using and carrying a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. Clemons and Smith were also convicted of hijacking cars.

Prior Proceedings: This case was initially brought before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The first court after the trial found in favor of the State against Clemons and Smith. After that, the defendants filed a motion to set aside the findings of fact, conclusions of law and judgment, and to set the matter for a jury trial. The court denied the motion.

Issues presented or questions of law:

 (1) that the evidence was insufficient to show that the victim was a federal agent engaged in the performance of his official duties at the time of the murder;

(2) that the court abused its discretion in admitting into evidence prior-similar-acts testimony; and

(3) that the court abused its discretion in admitting into evidence a waiver and confession executed by Clemons in connection with a juvenile adjudication.

Arguments or objectives of the parties:

Clemons and Smith claimed that the killed officer was not on duty. Thus, the application of the first court’s decision was not appropriate.

Smith contends that the court erred in allowing the government to impeach Clemons by using Clemons’s unredacted confession implicating Smith and in permitting him to be cross-examined by Clemons regarding irrelevant and prejudicial matters.

Holding/ the rule of law:

In evaluating the admissibility of Rule 404(b) evidence, we must determine whether (1) the evidence is relevant to an issue other than defendant’s character; (2) there is sufficient proof to enable a jury to find by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant committed the extrinsic act; and (3) the evidence possesses probative value outweighing any prejudicial effect.

Saint Leo Core Values Displayed:

The first trial did not take into consideration the possible features of the defendant’s character.

Rationale:

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama’s decision was approved as the evidence of murder was undoubtful. Moreover, it was proved that the officer was on duty while Clemons and Smith tried to hijack his car. The evidence of hijacking three other cars was also taken into consideration when sentencing the defendants.

Conclusion:

The US Court of Appeals affirmed Smith and Clemons guilty as their acts led to the death of the officer on duty. Moreover, the cases of car-hijacking were also proved.

References

UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Eugene Milton CLEMONS, II, a/k/a “Gene,” a/k/a “Dean,” Dedrick Germond Smith, a/k/a Derrick, Defendants-Appellants. United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit (1994). Retrieved from https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F3/032/32.F3d.1504.93-6328.html

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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