State of Minnesota v. Christopher Path

Syllabus

LARKIN, Judge Appellant challenges his conviction of criminal sexual conduct, arguing that the district court abused its discretion and violated his right to present a defense by excluding evidence at his jury trial. Specifically, the district court ruled that appellant's sister could not provide testimony contradicting the complaining witness's testimony that she was sexually assaulted by both appellant and his sister. Because the state opened the door to the proffered testimony and limited testimony on that issue would not have violated Minn. R. Evid. 403, the district court abused its discretion by prohibiting the proffered testimony. And because that error was constitutional and not harmless beyond a reasonable doubt, we reverse and remand for a new trial.