United States v. Carpenter

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's rulings concerning Defendant Carpenter and Velazquez's joint trial where they were convicted of conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping. The panel held that the common law right of access attaches to pre-trial offers of proof for a duress defense. In this case, because Carpenter failed to provide a compelling reason to overcome this presumptive right of access, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying her motion to seal her proffer. The panel held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting "other act" evidence under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 404(b). However, although the district court erred in admitting evidence of Velazquez's methamphetamine use, the panel held that the error was harmless. View "United States v. Carpenter" on Justia Law