Cross-examination of John Meraz (part 6)

📄 Cross-examination of John Meraz (part 6) — Wednesday, July 19, 1995

Address:

C:\DEPT103\CRIMINAL\1995\JUL\19\CROSS-EXAMINATION-OF-JOHN-MERA.DOC

TRIAL

▲ Day 118 of 167

◀ Cross-examination of John Meraz (part 5) Redirect examination of John Meraz ▶

Witness: John Meraz
Examiner: Marcia Clark
Called by: Defense • Date: Wednesday, July 19, 1995 • Lines: 13

Marcia Clark cross-examines John Meraz about whether he understood that prosecution for theft from the Defendant's Bronco had been declined. Meraz says he was told charges would not be filed and, when asked whom he meant by "they," identifies Mr. Cochran.

# 1 MS. CLARK:

Correct?

# 2 MR. COCHRAN:

I object to that--object to the form of that question.

# 3 THE COURT:

Overruled.

# 4 MR. COCHRAN:

I object to the form of that question.

# 5 THE COURT:

Yes, that is. The answer is stricken. Rephrase the question.

# 6 MS. CLARK:

When you say filed charges, sir, do you mean they declined to pursue a prosecution of you for theft from the Defendant's Bronco? Is that your understanding?

# 7 MR. COCHRAN:

Objection. Assumes facts not in evidence, your Honor.

# 8 THE COURT:

Overruled.

# 9 MR. MERAZ:

From the way I was told is that they weren't going to file charges on me, is what I was told.

KEY QUOTE

# 10 MS. CLARK:

And when you say "They," who are you referring to?

# 11 MR. MERAZ:

I'm referring to Mr. Cochran.

KEY QUOTE

# 12 MS. CLARK:

Thank you, sir.

# 13 THE COURT:

Mr. Cochran.

Temperature

tense

Key Quotes (2)

John Meraz

I'm referring to Mr. Cochran.

Meraz identifies Mr. Cochran as the person he meant when referring to who told him charges would not be filed.

John Meraz

From the way I was told is that they weren't going to file charges on me, is what I was told.

Meraz testifies that he was told charges would not be filed, leading to Clark's follow-up asking whom he meant by "they."

Notable Exchanges (2)

Marcia Clark•John Meraz

Clark asks whether Meraz understood that prosecution for theft from the Defendant's Bronco had been declined. Meraz says he was told charges would not be filed and identifies Mr. Cochran as the referent.

strategic

Lance A. Ito•Johnnie Cochran

After Meraz identifies Mr. Cochran and Clark thanks him, Ito addresses Mr. Cochran.

neutral

Credibility Attacks (2)

⚔ John Meraz

bias / motive to favor defense

Clark asks whether Meraz understood that prosecution for theft from the Defendant's Bronco had been declined; Meraz says he was told charges would not be filed and identifies Mr. Cochran as the referent.

⚔ Johnnie Cochran

reported assurance / possible bias

Meraz's testimony that Cochran personally told him charges would not be filed raises the inference that defense counsel made assurances to a witness who had criminal exposure.

Objections

3 objections (1 sustained, 2 overruled)

Proceeding 6933 • 13 lines • Defense witness

Criminal Trial

Department 103