Anthony v. State

Summary

The Mississippi Supreme Court held that the trial court improperly limited the defendant’s cross-examination of a confidential informant concerning favorable treatment and pending criminal charges. Because the informant’s testimony was central to the State’s case, the error was deemed reversible. The court reversed the conviction and sentence and remanded for a new trial.

Holdings

1. The trial court committed reversible error by preventing Anthony from fully cross-examining the confidential informant about favorable treatment he had received on prior charges in exchange for his testimony.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the trial court abused its discretion by limiting Anthony's cross-examination of the confidential informant concerning prior charges and favorable treatment that could show bias, prejudice, or interest.
2. Whether the trial court improperly denied two defense peremptory challenges.
3. Whether the jury's verdict was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence.

Disposition

reversed_and_remanded