United States v. Gilliland

Roy Valentine Gilliland (defendant) was charged with transporting a stolen car across state lines. At trial, his stepson Billy Tull testified as an eyewitness that he saw Gilliland purchase the car. On cross-examination, the prosecution asked Tull whether Gilliland was "the kind of man" who would steal cars; after Tull said no, the prosecution introduced, over objection, evidence of Gilliland's past car-theft convictions. Gilliland was convicted and appealed.