Stafford v. State
Criminal Court of Appeals of Oklahoma
665 P.2d 1205 (Okla. Crim. App. 1983)
Relevant factsFree
At Stafford's (defendant) murder trial, his wife testified about conversations with him, and the trial court excluded testimony about their strictly private conversations but admitted testimony about conversations that occurred while Stafford's brother was present, as well as testimony from Lewis, who overheard a conversation between Stafford and his wife without their knowledge; Stafford was convicted and appealed the admission of both categories of testimony.
IssueFree
Whether confidential spousal communications remain privileged if made in the presence of a third party.