United States v. Jessie James Turner, Jr.

Summary

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a felon-in-possession conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), holding that the district court abused its discretion by admitting a government expert's opinion on the defendant's mental state in violation of Federal Rule of Evidence 704(b), but the error was harmless because the evidence of guilt was overwhelming and did not substantially sway the jury. The case addresses the interplay of insanity, public authority, and entrapment defenses, and clarifies that Rule 704(b) bars expert testimony on whether a defendant appreciated the wrongfulness of his actions, even when offered to rebut an insanity defense.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the district court erred in admitting Dr. Barnette's expert opinion that Turner understood the wrongfulness of his actions, in violation of Rule 704(b).
2. Whether any such error was harmless.