Garcia v. State

868 S.W.2d 337, 1993 Tex. Crim. App. LEXIS 148, 1993 WL 366511

• Court: Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
• Decided: September 22, 1993
• Docket: 1095-92
• Status: Published

Opinions

OPINION ON APPELLANTS PETITION FOR DISCRETIONARY REVIEW

BAIRD, Judge.

A jury convicted appellant of murder, Tex.Penal Code Ann. § 19.02(a)(1), and assessed punishment at twenty years confinement. The Court of Appeals affirmed. Garcia v. State, 833 S.W.2d 564 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1992). We granted appellant’s petition for discretionary review to determine whether an autopsy report is admissible under Tex.R.Crim.Evid. 803(8)(B).¹ We will affirm.

I.

The Facts

Jeffery Barnard, acting chief medical examiner for Dallas County, testified he was the custodian of records for the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences.² Through Barnard’s testimony, the State tendered an autopsy report prepared by a non-testifying deputy medical examiner.³ Appellant objected, contending the report was inadmissible hearsay under Tex.R.Crim.Evid. 801(d) and 802. The trial judge overruled the objection and admitted the autopsy report into evidence.

The Court of Appeals affirmed, holding the autopsy report was a public record and, therefore, admissible under Tex.R.Crim. Evid. 803(8)(B), and as a business record under Tex.R.Crim.Evid. 803(6). Garcia, 833 S.W.2d at 568 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1992). We granted review to determine the correctness of this holding.

II.

Office of the Medical Examiner

A. Inquests

Tex.Code Crim.Proc.Ann. art. 49.25, § 1 requires any county with a population of more than one million, without a medical school, to establish and maintain a medical examiner’s office. The medical examiner is appointed by the commissioner’s court and must be a licensed physician who, “to the greatest extent possible, ... shall ... hav[e] training and experience in pathology, toxicology, histology and other medico-legal sciences.” Art. 49.25, § 2. The powers and duties relating to the investigation of deaths and inquests are vested in the office of the medical examiner. Art. 49.25 § 12.⁴ Under Art. 49.25, § 6, the medical examiner has a duty to hold an inquest in the following cases:

1. When a person [dies] within twenty-four hours after admission to a hospital or institution or in prison or in jail;

2. When any person is killed; or from any cause dies an unnatural death, except under sentence of the law; or dies in the absence of one or more good witnesses;

3. When the body of a human being is found, and the circumstances of his death are unknown;

4. When the circumstances of the death of any person are such to lead to suspicion that he came to his death by unlawful means;

5. When any person commits suicide, or the circumstances of his death are such as to lead to suspicion that he committed suicide;

6. When a person dies without having been attended by a duly licensed and practicing physician ... and

7. When a person dies who has been attended immediately preceding his death by a duly licensed and practicing physician or physicians, and such physician or physicians are not certain as to the cause of death and are unable to certify with certainty the cause of death....

B. Autopsies

Art. 49.01(1) provides:

“Autopsy” means a postmortem examination of the body of a person, including X-rays and an examination of the internal organs and structures after dissection, to determine the cause of death or the nature of any pathological changes that may have contributed to the death.

If the cause of death can be established beyond a reasonable doubt without an autopsy, the medical examiner must file a report “setting forth specifically the cause of death.” Art. 49.25, § 9. If the medical examiner is of the opinion that an autopsy is necessary, or if an autopsy is requested by the district attorney, an autopsy is performed to determine the cause of death. Id. Finally, Art. 49.25, § 11 requires that the medical examiner keep full and complete records, including the autopsy report, if any, and those records “shall be public records.”⁵ Id.

III.

The Hearsay Rule

Hearsay is defined as an oral or written “statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted.” Rule 801(d). Rule 802 provides that “[h]earsay is not admissible except as provided by statute or these rules.” Therefore, an autopsy report, prepared by a non-testifying deputy medical examiner, is hearsay and the question becomes whether such a report is admissible under one or more of the exceptions to the hearsay rule.

The State contends an autopsy report is a “public record or report” admissible under Rule 803(8)(B) which provides:

The following are not excluded by the hearsay rule, even though the declarant is available as a witness:

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(8) Public records and reports. Records, reports, statements, or data compilations, in any form, of public offices or agencies setting forth ... (B) matters observed pursuant to duty imposed by law as to which matters there was a duty to report, excluding, however, matters observed by police officers and other law enforcement personnel....

As we stated in part II, the medical examiner’s office is a public office or agency established by statute. Art. 49.25, § 1. Additionally, the medical examiner has a duty, imposed by Art. 49.25, §§ 6 and 9 to prepare and file a report, including autopsy reports, stating a cause of death and those reports are public records. Art. 49.25, § 11. Consequently, the admissibility of autopsy reports under Rule 803(8)(B) depends upon whether medical examiners are considered “other law enforcement personnel.” We now turn to address that issue.

IV.

Cole v. State

In support of his contention that medical examiners are “other law enforcement personnel,” appellant relies upon our opinion in Cole v. State, 839 S.W.2d 798 (Tex.Cr.App.1992) (opinion on rehearing).⁶ This case presents our first opportunity to interpret and apply that decision.

In Cole, the trial judge admitted reports prepared by a non-testifying Department of Public Safety (DPS) chemist. We were asked to determine whether the DPS chemist was considered “other law enforcement personnel” under Rule 803(8)(B). To resolve that issue, we employed a two prong test: 1) whether the reports were objective, routine, scientific determinations of an unambiguous factual nature prepared by officials with no inherent motivation to distort the results, Cole, 839 S.W.2d at 808; and, 2) the adversarial context in which the relevant tests were conducted. Id., 839 S.W.2d at 809.

Initially, we noted the reports were “remarkably subjective in nature as well as remarkably imprecise and subject to individual interpretation.” Id. 839 S.W.2d at 809. We also mentioned the “Palmer Doctrine,” which maintains that reports prepared in contemplation of litigation are inadmissible because they are inherently unreliable due to the maker’s bias and motivation to make misrepresentations. Id., 839 S.W.2d at 809, n. 9 (citing Palmer v. Hoffman, 318 U.S. 109, 63 S.Ct. 477, 87 L.Ed. 645 (1943)).

In discussing the adversarial context, we found the DPS laboratory was “a uniquely litigious and prosecution-oriented environment.” Id., 839 S.W.2d at 809-810. Therefore, we concluded the DPS chemist was a member of other law enforcement personnel. Consequently, his report was not admissible under Rule 803(8)(B). Finally, we held that reports not admissible under 803(8)(B) may not be admitted under 803(6).⁷ Cole, 839 S.W.2d at 811.

V.

Discussion

To determine whether medical examiners are considered “other law enforcement personnel” under Rule 803(8)(B), we will employ the two prong test of Cole. First, we must consider whether autopsy reports are objective, routine, scientific determinations of an unambiguous factual nature prepared by officials with no inherent motivation to distort the results on the issue. Much of what a medical examiner observes and reports will be objective, routine, scientific determinations of an unambiguous nature. From these determinations, the medical examiner may draw conclusions which, to varying degrees, will be subjective. Therefore, reports prepared by a medical examiner may be both objective and subjective.⁸ However, the fact that a report is partially subjective will not automatically render the report inadmissible under Rule 803(8)(B). There is no requirement the conclusion be purely objective. To so hold, would make most, if not all, scientific reports inadmissible.

The subjective degree of the report must also be considered in determining whether the report was prepared by an official with an inherent motive to distort its results. Unlike the dissent which would hold medical examiners have the primary responsibility to detect crime, dissenting opinion pg. 4, we believe a medical examiner’s primary responsibility is to determine the cause of death. Therefore, medical examiners, as a general rule, are disinterested third parties who do not have an inherent motive to distort the results of their reports. A medical examiner is an official appointed by the commissioners court pursuant to Art. 49.25, § 1. The medical examiner is a licensed physician and usually has specialized training in medico-legal sciences. Id. at § 2. The medical examiner has a statutory duty to investigate all unexplained deaths, whether unlawful or not.⁹ Art. 49.25, § 6. Autopsy reports are not necessarily prepared in contemplation of litigation. Although medical examiners occasionally participate in litigation, such participation is not the focus or purpose of the medical examiner’s office. The medical examiner’s duties involve the investigation of many deaths which are not the subject of a criminal prosecution.¹⁰ Simply because a report prepared by a medical examiner may be used in the prosecution of a criminal case does not implicate the “Palmer Doctrine.” Therefore, we find that even though autopsy reports are partially subjective, they are generally prepared by officials with no motive to fabricate the results of the reports.

We now address the second prong and consider the adversarial context in which autopsy reports are prepared. Art. 49.25, § 6 requires the medical examiner to file his report with the district or county attorney. However, the medical examiner’s report is not filed until the cause of death has been determined and the report has been completed.¹¹ Consequently, the prosecution is not necessarily involved in the medical examiner’s investigation or the preparation of the report.¹² In addition to having the statutory duty to investigate all unexplained deaths, the medical examiner has other statutorily defined duties relating to organ transplant donors, the removal of bodies, disinterment, cremation, and the keeping of records. See Art. 49.25, §§ 6a-12. Furthermore, we believe it is significant that the records kept by the medical examiner are designated “public records.” Id., § 11. For these reasons, we conclude a medical examiner’s office is not, as a general rule, such a uniquely litigious and prosecution-oriented environment as to create an adversarial context. Contra, Cole, 839 S.W.2d at 809-810.

Therefore, we hold, as a general rule, medical examiners are not considered “other law enforcement personnel” under Rule 803(8)(B) as far as their duties relate to the preparation of autopsy reports.

The judgment of the Court of Appeals is affirmed.

CLINTON, OVERSTREET and MEYERS, JJ., concur in the result.

1 . Appellant’s ground for review states:

The Court of Appeals erred in holding the trial court properly allowed the admission of the autopsy report as a public record and as a business record. The Court of Appeals has rendered a decision in direct conflict with the Corpus Christi Court of Appeals on the same matter which is an important question of state and federal law and it has been decided in conflict with applicable decisions of not only the Court of Criminal Appeals but, also with federal decisions. Tex.Ceim.Proc.Code Ann. sec 200(C)(1), (2), (3) (Vernon 1991).

2 . Though the record is less than clear, it appears that the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences has been designated by the Commissioners Court of Dallas County as the medical examiner of Dallas County. Tex.Code Crim.Proc.Atm. art. 49.25, § 1.

3 . Dr. Barnard testified:

State: Doctor, if you would, explain the procedure when in your office one of the other medical examiners actually performs the autopsy, how those findings and photographs are taken to the staff. How does that work?

Barnard: Well, other than the fact that many times we’re down in the autopsy area when the cases are performed, a conference is held on Thursday afternoons in which previous cases that have been autopsied are reviewed photographically.

The autopsy is dictated by the person who does the autopsy and when that autopsy report is completed it is sent to each of us for our personal evaluation of the case, for our signature as to the cause, maimer of death. And then after we sign it, it is sent on. If someone disagrees with the case, then their name is removed from the autopsy report.

State: In this case you did sign off on the case as being consistent with your personal findings?

Barnard: I agree with the findings, yes.

4 . Art. 49.01(2) provides:

“Inquest" means an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the death of a person, and a determination, made with or without a formal court hearing, as to whether the death was caused by an unlawful act or omission.

5 . All emphasis is supplied unless otherwise indicated.

6 . The Court of Appeals did not have the benefit of our opinion on rehearing in Cole when it delivered its opinion in this case. The courts of appeals are split on whether a medical examiner should be considered "other law enforcement personnel." See, Cruz v. State, 827 S.W.2d 83 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 1992) (Autopsy report is inadmissible because medical examiners are “law enforcement personnel.”); Martinez v. State, 833 S.W.2d 188 (Tex.App.-Dabas 1992) (Medical examiners are not “law enforcement personnel.”); Sandles v. State, 857 S.W.2d 932, (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1992) (Medical examiners are not "law enforcement personnel.”); and, Vasquez v. State, 814 S.W.2d 773 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1991) (Medical examiners are not “law enforcement personnel.”).

The dissent cites Aguilar v. State, 850 S.W.2d 640 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 1993), however, that case does not involve an autopsy report. Dissenting opinion pg. 7, n. 12. Rather, Aguilar was charged with delivery of a controlled substance.

7 . Tex.R.Crim.Evid. 803(6) provides an exception from the general rule of the inadmissibility of hearsay for "records of a regularly conducted activity.” These records include:

A memorandum, report, record, or data compilation, in any form, of acts, events, conditions, opinions, or diagnoses, made at or near the time by, or from information transmitted by, a person with knowledge, if kept in the course of a regularly conducted business activity, and if it was the regular practice of that business activity to make the memorandum, report, record, or data compilation, all as shown by the testimony of the custodian or other qualified witness, or by affidavit that complies with Rule 902(10), unless the source of information or the method or circumstances of preparation indicate lack of trustworthiness. "Business" as used in this paragraph includes any and every kind of regular organized activity whether conducted for profit or not.

8 . Although we believe autopsy reports may be both objective and subjective, other courts disagree. In State v. Damon, 214 Conn. 146, 570 A.2d 700 (1990), the Connecticut Supreme Court held:

... An autopsy report derives from well recognized, routine procedures, and records objective facts. These procedures are performed hundreds of times each year, and in light of their frequency, are so generally considered reliable that they are normally undisputed. The pathologist performing the autopsy [in this case], had no motive to falsify her findings and owed no special allegiance to the state’s attorney. [The pathologist] as a physician and a state employee, has a professional duty to report the results of her work in an accurate and truthful manner. Like a toxicology report, an autopsy report is essentially a factual report limited to objective, physical observations.

Id., 570 A.2d at 707-708 (citations omitted). See also, Manocchio v. Moran, 919 F.2d 770, 776-777 (1st Cir.1990).

9 . In his dissent, Judge Maloney contends that "a medical examiner is charged with only one, primary responsibility — detection of crime.” Dissenting opinion pg. 3. Judge Maloney supports his conclusion by finding: 1) significance in the inclusion of the provisions establishing the medical examiner’s office in the Code of Criminal Procedure; and, 2) that under Art. 49.25 § 6 the circumstances in which the medical examiner must conduct an inquest are all circumstances where "criminal activity may be afoot.” Dissenting opinion pgs. 3-5. We disagree. One should not necessarily assume "criminal activity may be afoot" because: 1) a person died within 24 hours of admission to a hospital, Art. 49.25, § 1; 2) a person dies in the absence of one or more good witnesses, Art. 49.25, § 2; 3) a body is found and the circumstances of death are unknown. Art. 49.25, § 3; 4) a person died without having been attended by a physician and the local health officer does not know the cause of death, Art. 49.25, § 6; or 5) a person died and the attending physician is unable to certify a cause of death, Art. 49.25, § 7. After a simple reading of chapter 49 it is clear that the primary responsibility of the medical examiner is the determination of a cause of death in cases where the cause of death is unknown.

10 .On cross-examination, Dr. Barnard testified:

Appellant: Do you do — do you ever perform work for other than law enforcement agencies?

Barnard: There are cases — I’m not trying to avoid your question. I'm trying to understand what you are asking. We do cases which fit under the medical examiner’s law. Those cases, some are associated in that the police are involved in an investigation. We really don’t do any because the police ask us to.

Appellant: Let me ask it a different way. If a person were to come to you with something to be analyzed would you do it for an outside non-governmental agency?

Barnard: That wouldn't be in the medical examiner’s section. If it was some sort of a substance — you would have to give me a specific example. There are multiple areas of the medical examiner’s office. What your are suggesting does not involve the forensic pathologist or medical examiner. We deal strictly with the cause and manner of death in cases.

11 . Again, Dr. Barnard testified:

Appellant: And that work is primarily turned over or is always turned over to the District Attorney’s Office in cases that you come to the conclusion that it’s a homicide; is that correct?

Barnard: If they request it. There are cases, for instance, someone is clearly murdered and it's not going to trial or for whatever reason, we don't turn anything over. Everything is kept in our office and only at a request will something be mailed out.

In other words, to answer your question, we don’t routinely take every homicide case and mail them to the District Attorney’s Office. It’s only if that case is one which is under — I assume to be prosecuted and they’re requesting the information.

12 . In his dissenting opinion, Judge Maloney states:

"... Nevertheless, the medical examiner's determination of causation is based upon a synthesis of his medical training and education, his experience in the field, his examination of the body and its parts and his knowledge of the facts surrounding the death, in all probability supplied to the medical examiner by the police."

Dissenting opinion pg. 343-344 (emphasis in original).

While such may be true in some cases, there is no evidence in the instant case that the police provided any information to the medical examiner or that the medical examiner’s had any relationship with the Dallas Police Department which might suggest a "uniquely litigious and prosecution-oriented environment.”