TDCAA Community
CPS testify "reason to believe"

This topic can be found at:
https://tdcaa.infopop.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/157098965/m/8503044496

January 23, 2003, 15:03
m skotnik
CPS testify "reason to believe"
a few months ago i could swear i saw a case in the digest saying a CPS investigator could testify they found "reason to believe" on a case; now i can'f find it. does anyone know what i'm talking about, the case, used it, etc? thanks.
January 23, 2003, 15:40
Tim Cole
If there is such a case it would surprise me. I think CPS could testify as to factual matters they discovered, assuming the facts are admissible under Rules of Evidence, but the reason to believe standard is essentially their opinion as to the weight of an allegation, which is a lower standard than in a criminal case and unproved in court, to boot. I would never rule out anything but don't see how this is admissible standing alone.
January 23, 2003, 17:40
Martin Peterson
That may have been the holding in Johnson,970 S.W.2d at 720, but I note Johnson has not been cited by any other court, particularly recently. I would agree that one is on treacherous ground trying to make use of that type of evidence.