United States v. Lara
United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
181 F.3d 183 (1999)
Relevant factsFree
The government prosecuted Giovanni Lara and fellow gang members for racketeering and related crimes. Defendant George Perry was asked on direct examination only about one crime, a carjacking, but on cross-examination the prosecutor questioned him about the gang's other crimes as well. Perry appealed his conviction, arguing this cross-examination exceeded the scope of direct examination in violation of FRE 611(b).
IssueFree
Whether cross-examination may address new issues beyond those covered on direct examination if the new issues are related to and made relevant by the earlier issues or bear on the witness's credibility.