United States v. King

1 M.J. 657, 1975 CMR LEXIS 736
CourtU.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Military Review
DecidedSeptember 10, 1975
DocketNCM 74 3362
StatusPublished
Cited by2 cases

This text of 1 M.J. 657 (United States v. King) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Military Review primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
United States v. King, 1 M.J. 657, 1975 CMR LEXIS 736 (usnmcmilrev 1975).

Opinions

DECISION

FULTON, Judge.

Contrary to his plea the appellant was convicted of larceny of a Sony television from a fellow enlisted man in violation of Article 121 UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 921. The sentence approved below provides for a suspended bad conduct discharge, confinement at hard labor for two months, and reduction to pay grade E-l.

Appellant contends the following prejudiced his cause:

I. THE STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE’S REVIEW IS PREJUDICIALLY INADEQUATE.
II. THE PUNITIVE DISCHARGE SHOULD BE DISAPPROVED IN THAT THE COURT MEMBERS IMPEACHED THAT PORTION OF THE SENTENCE AWARDING THE DISCHARGE.

I

REVIEW

The evidence in this case presented an obvious credibility conflict and the questions is whether the review fairly described the choices (prosecution and defense evidence) available to the supervisory authority and accurately stated the standard of proof. In summary the evidence indicated the television was stolen about 1630, (R 46-55). Petty Officer Laynette Sykes, USN, testified that she bought the television in question from appellant at about 1730-1800 (R 61-62). Appellant and Mr. Morería testified that they went to the Sykes’ apartment to collect a loan and did not have a television. According to them the $15 check from Petty Officer Sykes was repayment of this loan (R 97-103, 139-141). Appellant denied stealing the set or selling it.

The review accurately presented the pleas and findings. The evidence presented was summarized and the elements of larceny were tailored to fit the specification. Thereafter, the review contained the following:

[659]*659a. There is testimonial evidence that the television disappeared from MOTES’ room in a fifteen-minute period while the room was unoccupied and unlocked. MOTES’ has also testified that he did not loan the television to anyone. Further, there is the testimony of SK3 SYKES that, within a short time thereafter, KING arrived at her apartment with the television. (This testimony is controverted by that of the accused and of MORE-RIA);
b. There is testimony from MOTES showing that he purchased the television;
c. There is testimony from MOTES, substantiated by his receipts, that he paid $120.00 for the television a few months before it was stolen;
d. The testimony of SK3 SYKES tends to prove that KING sold her the television which, if believed, raises a strong inference of intent to permanently deprive.
Since there is at least some evidence on each and every element of the offense, the evidence is sufficient to support the findings of the members as a matter of law. Your attention is directed, however, to the fact that there is substantial controversy as to at least two elements of the offense. This controversy is raised by the accused’s testimony denying the offenses which may be supported by testimony of the other defense witnesses. In your capacity as supervisory authority you may approve only those findings wherein you find, upon independent evaluation, that each and every element is proven by the evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.

The review expressed the opinion that the “evidence supports the findings and established, beyond a reasonable doubt, the guilt of the accused of the offenses of which he was convicted.” The supervisory authority was lastly advised:

“You must determine that a finding of guilty is established to your satisfaction, beyond a reasonable doubt, before approving such finding.”

We agree with appellant that the portion of the review is erroneous which provides:

“Since there is some evidence on each and every element of the offense, the evidence is sufficient to support the findings of the members as a matter of law.”

We will assess this error for prejudice within the four corners of the review.

Appellant contends that he was prejudiced by the failure to rationalize the evidence and failure to “state why Government witnesses should be believed at the expense of appellant.” The Manual for Courts-Martial, 1969 (Revised Edition) provides in paragraph 85b., inter alia:

The review will include a summary of the evidence in the ease, his opinion as to the adequacy and weight of the evidence and the effect of any error or irregularity respecting the proceedings, and a specific recommendation as to the action to be taken. Reasons for both the opinion and the recommendation will be stated. .

Important testimony relating to key issues must be summarized in the review. United States v. Nelson, 23 U.S.C.M.A. 258, 49 C.M.R. 433 (1975). The summary “must not be one-sided or so deficient as to present a fair risk of prejudice to the accused.” United States v. Hooper, 11 U.S.C.M.A. 128, 28 C.M.R. 352 (1960). The supervisory authority must be provided with adequate guide posts to determine appellants innocence or guilt. United States v. Smith, 29 U.S.C.M.A. 98, 48 C.M.R. 659 (1974).

We find that the summary of the evidence fairly presented the conflicting testimony of the witnesses for the defense and prosecution. The key issues were virtually spelled out in the summary. The conflicts were clear cut and it appears unlikely the supervisory authority was misled as to the state of the evidence or the choices available. Cf. United States v. Hooper, supra.

Was the supervisory authority misled as to the standard of proof required to sustain the guilty finding? The Defense argues that the review suggested that “some” evidence could support the findings of guilty.

[660]*660We agree that this is what the review suggests. Cf. United States v. Monahan, No. 30, 344 (U.S.C.M.A. 29 August 1975). However, in context with the rest of the review, we find no prejudice. After this incorrect language, the review thrice emphatically states that the standard of proof is reasonable doubt. Under these circumstances, we conclude that it is highly unlikely the supervisory authority was misled on such a basic matter as the standard for judging guilt. The assignment lacks merit.

II

SENTENCE

After complete findings instructions including advice on clemency and administrative discharges, the Court closed to deliberate on the findings. Thereafter the Court opened and the president requested additional guidance on the form of “a possible recommendation by the Court for clemency” and “a chart for reduced VA benefits associated with a bad conduct discharge.” The Court was provided with the chart and without objection instructed on recommendations for suspension of a punitive discharge.

The Court was twice told by the military judge that higher authority would not be bound by their recommendation and that reliance on mitigating action by higher authority would be improper and “constitutes an abandonment of your responsibilities.” After questions from the Court, the military judge instructed:

“. . . before you adjudge a punitive discharge, you must be satisfied that it is appropriate punishment, even if the convening or higher authority refuses to adopt your recommendation for suspension.”

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Related

United States v. Miller
18 M.J. 599 (U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Military Review, 1984)
United States v. Worden
17 M.J. 887 (U S Air Force Court of Military Review, 1984)

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1 M.J. 657, 1975 CMR LEXIS 736, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/united-states-v-king-usnmcmilrev-1975.