2013 Mock Trial Case

7/27/2019 2013 Mock Trial Case

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Hon. Diane O. Leasure (Ret.)

Co-Chair

ShannonMcClellan

Co-Chair

University of MD, School of Nursing

Moges Abebe

Attorney at Law

Jane Anders

Teacher Consultant

Sara H. Arthur

B&F Liaison

Gilbert Austin

Educational Research & Evaluation

Hon. Mary Ellen Barbera

Court of Appeals

William A. BealeAttorney at Law

Hon. Pamila J. Brown

BOG Liaison

District Court, Howard County

Alan S. Carmel

Attorney at Law

Sarah Dawn Cline

Attorney at Law

Adam Sean Cohen

Attorney at Law

Delegate Kathleen M. Dumais

District 15

Suzanne K. FaraceAttorney at Law

Barry L. Gogel

Attorney at Law

Michael I. Gordon

Attorney at Law

Ellery M. Rick Miller, Jr.

Executive Director, CLREP

Gary Christopher Norman

Attorney at Law

Rex Shepard

BCPS Social Studies Coordinator

Annabelle Sher

Assistant Director, MD D-BEDVictor A. Sulin

Attorney at Law

Kathleen J. P. Tabor

Attorney at Law

Hon. Jamey Weitzman

District Court, Baltimore City

Charles S. Winner

Attorney at Law

Maryland Bar Center, 4th Floor, 520 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201Tel: 410-706-5360 Fax: 410-706-5576

www.clrep.org

November 9, 2012

Dear Students & Coaches:

Welcome to the 2012-2013 Maryland State Bar Association Statewide High School Mock

Trial Competition. This is the 30th year for Mock Trialover 52,000 students have

participated in this competition since its inception. We are pleased that you are joining in this

exciting opportunity.

This years case explores the topic of animal cruelty and neglect. Recently, there have been

horrific accounts of people abusing animals, including someone who slashed horses, sadlysetting a dog on fire, and of people mutilating or abusing animals. In other instances, well-

intentioned people try and rescue animals but because of their own limitations, cannot

adequately care for them. With the economic downturn even more cases are surfacing of

people who simply cant afford to care for their animals. If we educate about the importanceof caring for animals and the penalties that potentially occur when one does not take propercare then perhaps we can have a preventative and protective role. We hope that you find this

case to be challenging, interesting and informative.

Our four primary objectives for the MSBA Mock Trial competition are:To further understanding and appreciation of the rule of law, court procedures, and the

legal system;

To increase proficiency in basic life skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and criticalthinking;

To promote better communication and cooperation between the school system, the legal

profession, and the community at large;

To heighten enthusiasm for academic studies as well as career consciousness for law-

related professions.

Mock Trial works best when everyone competes fairly and honestly. Your goal should be

learning, rather than winning. Mock Trial provides opportunities to learn through casepreparation with your attorney advisor, teacher coach, and teammates, as well as during each

of the competitions.

Please remember that Mock Trial parallels the real world in terms of proceedings,

interpretations, and decisions by the Bench. Decisions will not always go your way and you

will not always prevail. BUTyou will succeed if you learn from both wins and losses!

We ask that you read carefully through the rules, guidelines and score sheet included in thiscasebook. We wish you a very successful year and a rewarding learning experience.

Best Regards,

Shannon McClellan Hon. Diane O. Leasure Ellery M. Rick Miller, Jr.Shannon McClellan, Esq. Hon. Diane O. Leasure Ellery M. Rick Miller, Jr.

Co-Chair, CLREP Co-Chair, CLREP Executive Director, CLREP


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TABLEOFCONTENTSOrganizationalRules 3

PreparingforCompetition:HelpfulHints 5

Trial

Procedures

6

Simplified RulesofEvidence&Procedure 9

CourtroomDiagram 15

StipulatedFactPattern 16

WitnessesfortheProsecution

AnimalControlOfficer,LynneGraham 18

Neighbor,AlexVogel 20

Veterinarian,Dr.TyJohnson 22

WitnessesfortheDefense

Defendant,Danny

Harding

24

Veterinarian,Dr.TaylorMartin 26

USPSMailCarrier,SamShelton 28

Evidence&Exhibits

311Transcript 30

AnimalControlComplaint&InvestigationForm 31

MontgomeryCountySPCAMedicalEvaluations 33

PhysicalCareScale Haircoat&Nails 41

Maryland

Criminal

Law

Code

42

Traceyv.Solesky 44

FactsonAnimalCruelty 56

Appendices

GuidelinesforAttorneyAdvisors 57

HelpfulHintsforCompetitionJudges 58

SampleScoreSheet 59

Calendar InsideCover

StateChampions BackCover


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20122013

MSBAHIGHSCHOOLMOCKTRIALCOMPETITION

PARTI:ORGANIZATIONALRULES

1. Forfeitsareprohibited.Asaregisteredteam,youagreetoattendallscheduledcompetitions.Ifateamdoesnot

have

an

adequate

number

of

students

(i.e.

due

to

illness,

athletics,

or

other

conflicts),

it

is

still

expected

to

attendandparticipateinthecompetition.Intheseinstances,ateamwillborrowstudentsfromthe

opposingteam.Whilethisistreatedasanautomaticwinfortheopposition,bothteamsstillgainthepractice

experience. Further,itmaintainstheintegrityofthecompetitionandisrespectfuloftheCourt,Presiding

Judge,attorneysandtheotherteamthathaspreparedandtraveledtothecompetition.Ifthisoccurs,coaches

shouldmakeeveryefforttonotifythelocalcoordinatorANDtheothercoachinadvanceofthecompetition.

Whenanopposingteamdoesnothaveenoughstudentstoassisttheotherteam,studentsmaydepicttwoor

moreoftheroles(i.e.theymaydepict2witnessesorplaythepartof2attorneys).

2. Studentattorneysareexpectedtokeeptheirpresentationslimitedtospecifictimeguidelines.Itisthepresidingjudgessolediscretionastohoworifthetimeguidelineswillbeimplementedduringeach

competition.TeamsshouldNOTobjectiftheyperceiveaviolationoftheseguidelines.

Openingstatements/closingarguments5minuteseach; Directexamination7minutesperwitness; VoirDire,ifnecessary2minutesperexpertwitness(inadditiontothetimepermittedfordirectand

crossexamination)

Crossexamination5minutesperwitness; ReDirectandReCrossExamination3minutesandamaximumof3questionsperwitness.

3. LocalcompetitionsmustconsistofenoughmatchesthateachparticipatinghighschoolpresentsbothsidesoftheMockTrialcaseatleastonce.

4. Ateammustbecomprisedofnofewerthaneight(8)butamaximumoftwelve(12)studentmembersfromthesamehighschool,withtheexceptionofhighschoolswithaMarylandStateDepartmentofEducation

interscholasticathleticsdesignationofClass2AorClass1A,whichmaycombinewithanyotherschoolsinthe

LEAin

those

classifications

to

field

ateam.

Two

alternate

students

are

permitted

during

the

local

competitiononly.Ifateamadvancesbeyondthelocalcompetition,anofficialrostermustbesubmittednot

exceeding12students.

5. Ateammayuseitsmemberstoplaydifferentrolesindifferentcompetitions.(SeePartII:HintsonPreparingfortheCompetition).Foranysinglecompetition,allteamsaretoconsistofthree(3)attorneysandthree(3)

witnesses,foratotalofsix(6)differentstudents.Foranysinglecompetition,astudentmaydepictonerole

onlyofeitherwitnessORattorney.(Note:InCircuits1and2,whereteamstypicallyparticipateintwo

competitionspereveningonceasprosecutionandonceasdefensestudentsmaychangerolesforthe

secondcompetition.)

6. Anyhighschoolwhichfieldsmorethanoneteam(TeamAandTeamB,forexample)mayNEVERallow,underanycircumstances, studentsfromTeamAtocompeteforTeamBorviceversa.Ifahighschoolfieldstwoor

moreteams,eachteammusthaveadifferentteachercoachandadifferentattorneycoachthantheother

team.Additionally,ifahighschoolhasmultipleteams,thenthoseteamsMUSTcompeteagainstoneanother

inlocal(circuit)competition.

7. A.)AreasofcompetitioncoincidewiththeeightJudicialCircuitsofMaryland.Eachcircuitmusthaveaminimumoffour(4)teams.However,inordertoprovidetheopportunityforasmanyteamstoparticipateas

possible,ifacircuithastwo(2)orthree(3)teams,theymaycompeteinaRoundRobintodeterminewho

willrepresentthecircuitinthecircuitplayoff.Therunnerupteamfromanothercircuitwouldbeselectedto


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competebasedupontheirwinningrecordandaveragepointsscoredduringlocalcompetitionrounds.This

teamwouldcompetewiththecircuitrepresentativeinaplayoffpriortotheRegionalCompetition.Whena

circuithasonlyoneregisteredteam,CLREPmaydesignateanothercircuitinwhichthisteammaycompete.

B.)OR,underthediscretionofacircuitcoordinatorandCLREP,ifacircuitsochooses,itmaycombinewiththe

unofficialcircuittoincreasethenumberofopportunitiestocompete.Inthiscase,acircuitopeningarises

andwill

be

filled

by

the

following

method.

To

create

the

most

equity,

asequential

rotation

of

circuits

will

occur.Ifwilling,thesecondplaceteamfromthespecifiedcircuitwilladvancetotheregionalcompetitionsto

filltheopening.Ifthatteamisunabletoadvance,theopportunitywillmovetothenextcircuit,andsoon,

untiltheopeningisfilled.Intheeventthatallcircuitsareofficiallycomprisedofaminimumoffourteams,the

designatedcircuitwillremainthenextinlinetoadvanceinfutureyears.

20122013 Circuit1 20162017 Circuit5




8. EachcompetingcircuitmustdeclareoneteamasCircuitChampionbyholdinglocalcompetitionsbasedontheofficialMockTrialGuideandrules.ThatrepresentativewillcompeteagainstanotherCircuitChampionina

singleeliminationcompetitiononApril10or11,2013.

9. ThedatesfortheRegionals,theSemiFinals,andtheFinalswillbesetandnoticegiventoallknownparticipatinghighschoolsbyNovember13,2012.Changeswillonlyoccurduetoconflictsinjudicialschedules.

10. DistrictCourtjudges,CircuitCourtjudges,andattorneysmaypresideandrenderdecisionsforallmatches.Ifpossible,ajudgefromtheCourtofAppealsorCourtofSpecialAppealswillpresideandrenderadecisionin

theFinals.

11. AnyteamthatisdeclaredaRegionalRepresentativemustagreetoparticipateonthedatessetfortheremainderofthecompetition.Failuretodosowillresultintheireliminationfromthecompetitionandthe

firstrunnerupinthatcircuitwillthenbetheRegionalRepresentativeunderthestipulations.

12.Winnersinanysingleroundshouldbepreparedtoswitchsidesinthecaseforthenextround.CircuitCoordinatorswillprepareandinformteamsofthelocalcircuitschedule.

13. CLREPencouragesTeacherCoachesofcompetingteamstoexchangeinformationregardingthenamesandgenderoftheirwitnessesatleast1daypriortoanygivenround.Theteachercoachforthe

plaintiff/prosecutionshouldassumeresponsibilityforinformingthedefenseteachercoach.Aphysical

identificationofallteammembersmustbemadeinthecourtroomimmediatelyprecedingthetrial.

14. MembersofaschoolteamenteredinthecompetitionincludingTeacherCoaches,backupwitnesses,attorneys,andothersdirectlyassociatedwiththeteamspreparationareNOTtoattendtheenactmentsof

ANYpossiblefutureopponentinthecontest.

15. Allteamsaretoworkwiththeirattorneycoachinpreparingtheircases.ItissuggestedthattheymeetwiththeirAttorneyAdvisoratleasttwicepriortothebeginningofthecompetition.Forsomesuggestionsregarding

theAttorneyAdvisorsroleinhelpingateamprepareforthetournament,seePARTII:HintsonPreparingfor

MockTrialandAppendixA.

16. THEREISNOAPPEALTOAJUDGESDECISIONINACASE.CLREPretainstherighttodeclareamistrialwhentherehasbeengrosstransgressionoftheorganizationalrulesand/oregregiousattempttounderminethe

intentandintegrityoftheMockTrialCompetition.Uponthecoachesreviewof,andsignatureonthescore

sheet,THEOUTCOMEISFINAL.


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17. ThereshallbeNOcoachingofanykindduringtheenactmentofamocktrial:i.e.studentattorneysmaynotcoachtheirwitnessesduringtheotherteamscrossexamination;teacherandattorneycoachesmaynotcoach

teammembersduringanypartofthecompetition;membersoftheaudience,includingmembersoftheteam

whoarenotparticipatingthatparticularday,maynotcoachteammemberswhoarecompeting;andteam

membersmusthavetheircellphonesandallotherelectronicdevicesturnedoffduringcompetitionastexting

maybe

construed

as

coaching.

Teacher

and

Attorney

Coaches

MAY

NOT

sit

directly

behind

their

team

during

competitionasanymovementsorconversationsmaybeconstruedascoaching.

18. Itisspecificallyprohibitedbeforeandduringtrialtonotifythejudgeofstudentsages,grades,schoolnameorlengthoftimetheteamhascompeted.

19. Thestudentattorneywhodirectlyexaminesawitnessistheonlyattorneywhomayraiseobjectionswhenthatsamewitnessisbeingcrossexamined.Thestudentattorneywhoraisesobjectionsondirectexamination

mustbethesameattorneywhothencrossexaminesthatsamewitness.Thissameprincipleappliesifa

studentattorneycallsforabenchconference;i.e.,itmustbetheattorneycurrentlyaddressingtheCourt.The

studentattorneywhohandlestheopeningstatementmaynotperformtheclosingargument.

20. JudgingandscoringattheRegional,SemiFinalandStatewideFinalCompetitionsaredistinctfromjudgingandscoring

in

some

local

competitions.

As

in

areal

trial,

the

judge

will

preside,

hear

objections

and

motions,

instructcounsel,anddeterminewhichteamprevailedbasedonthemeritsofthelaw.Twoattorneyswill

independentlyscoreteamperformanceatthetrial,usingthescoresheetfromtheofficialMockTrialGuide.At

theconclusionofthetrialandwhileinchambers,thejudgewillawardthetiepointwithoutinformingthe

attorneyscorers.TheTiePointwillonlybeaddedintothefinalscoreonlyinthecaseofatie.Theattorneys

willmeetandworkoutanydifferencesinscoringsothatthetwoattorneyspresentonescoresheettothe

judge,andeventually,thetwoteams.Thejudgeretainstherighttooverruleanyscoreonthescoresheet.

Bothteamsshallreceiveacopyofthisscoresheet,signedbythejudge.Teamswillnothaveaccesstothe

original,independentscoresheetsoftheattorneys.

21. Evidentiarymaterialsthathavebeenmodifiedforuseduringtrial(e.g.,enlarged),mustbemadeavailableduringthetrialfortheopposingteamsuse.Duringwitnessidentificationexchanges,pleasealerttheother

teamif

you

plan

to

use

modified

materials.

PARTII:HINTSONPREPARINGFORAMOCKTRIALCOMPETITION

ThefollowingtipsweredevelopedbylongtimeMockTrialCoaches.

1. Everystudent,teacherandattorneyparticipatinginateamspreparationshouldreadtheentiresetofmaterials(caseandguide)anddiscusstheinformation,proceduresandrulesusedinthemocktrial

competition.Students:youareultimatelyresponsibleforallofthisonceCourtisinsession.

2. Examineanddiscussthefactsofthecase,witnesstestimonyandthepointsforeachside.Recordkeyinformationasdiscussionproceedssothatitcanbereferredtointhefuture.

3. Witnesscredibilityisveryimportanttoateamspresentationofthecase.Witnesses:moveintoyourrolesandattempttothinkasthepersonyouareportraying.Readoveryouraffidavitsmanytimesandhaveother

membersofyourteamaskyouquestionsaboutthefactsuntilyouknowthem.

4. Studentattorneys:youshouldhaveprimaryresponsibilityfordecidingwhatpossiblequestionsshouldbeaskedofeachwitnessondirectandcrossexamination.Questionsforeachwitnessshouldbewrittendown

and/orrecorded.Writeoutkeypointsforyouropeningstatementsandclosingargumentsbeforetrial;then,

incorporateadditionalpointsthataroseduringthecompetitionforinclusioninyourclosingargumentto

highlighttheimportantdevelopmentsthatoccurredduringthetrial.Concise,summary,pertinentstatements


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whichreflectthetrialthatthejudgejustheardarethemostcompellingandeffective.Bepreparedfor

interruptionsbyjudgeswholiketoquestionyou,especiallyduringclosingarguments.

5. Thebestteamsgenerallyhavestudentattorneyspreparetheirownquestions,withtheTeacherandAttorneyCoachesgivingtheteamcontinualfeedbackandassistance.Basedonthesepracticesessions,student

attorneysshouldcontinuerevisingquestionsandwitnessesshouldcontinuestudyingtheiraffidavits.

6. Asyouapproachyourfirstroundofcompetition,youshouldconductatleastonecompletetrialasadressrehearsal.Allformalitiesshouldbefollowedandnotesshouldbetakenbyeveryone.Evaluatetheteams

presentationtogether.TrytoschedulethissessionwhenyourAttorneyCoachcanattend.

7. Someofthemostimportantskillsforteammemberstolearnare: Decidingwhichpointswillproveyoursideofthecaseanddevelopingthestrategyforprovingthose

points.

Statingclearlywhatyouintendtoproveinanopeningstatementandthenarguingeffectivelyinyourclosingthatthefactsandevidencepresentedhaveprovenyourcase.

Followingtheformalityofcourt;e.g.,standingupwhenthejudgeentersorwheneveryouaddresstheBench,andappropriatelyaddressingthejudgeasYourHonor,etcetera.

Phrasingdirectexaminationquestionsthatarenotleading(carefullyreviewtherulesofevidenceandwatchforthistypeofquestioninginpracticesessions).

Refrainingfromaskingsomanyquestionsoncrossexaminationthatwellmadepointsarelost.Whenawitnesshasbeencontradictedorotherwisediscredited,learntolimitadditionalquestions,astheyoften

lessentheimpactofpreviouslymadepoints.

Thinkingquicklyonyourfeetwhenawitnessgivesyouanunexpectedanswer,anattorneyasksunexpectedquestions,orajudgethrowsquestionsatyou.

Recognizingobjectionablequestionsandanswers,offeringthoseobjectionsquicklyandprovidingtheappropriatebasisfortheobjection.

Payingattentiontoallfacetsofthetrial,notjustthepartsthatdirectlyaffectyourpresentation.Allinformationheardisinfluential!Learntolistenandincorporateinformationsothatyourpresentation,

whetherasawitnessoranattorney,isthemosteffectiveitcanbe.

TheMockTrialshouldbeasenjoyableasitiseducational.Whenwinningbecomesyourprimarymotivation,theentirecompetitionisdiminished.CoachesandstudentsshouldprepareATLEASTas

muchforlosingastheydoforwinning/advancing.Eachmemberoftheteamstudentorcoachis

personallyresponsibleforhis/herbehaviorpriorto,during,andatthecloseofthetrial.Thereareschools

and

individuals

across

the

state

that

are

no

longer

welcome

to

participate

based

on

previous

behavior.

PartIII:TrialProcedures

Beforeparticipatinginamocktrial,itisimportanttobefamiliarwiththephysicalsettingofthecourtroom,aswell

aswiththeeventsthatgenerallytakeplaceduringthecompetitionandtheorderinwhichtheyoccur.Thissection

outlinestheusualstepsinabenchtrialthatis,withoutajury.

1. TheOpeningoftheCourta. EithertheclerkoftheCourtorthejudgewillcalltheCourttoorder.


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b. Whenthejudgeenters,allparticipantsshouldremainstandinguntilthejudgeisseated.c. Thecasewillbeannounced;i.e.,TheCourtwillnowhearthecaseof________v.________.d. Thejudgewillthenasktheattorneysforeachsideiftheyareready.

2. OpeningStatements(5minutesmaximum)

a. Prosecution(criminalcase)/Plaintiff(civilcase)

Afterintroducing

oneself

and

ones

colleagues

to

the

judge,

the

prosecutor

or

plaintiffs

attorney

summarizestheevidencefortheCourtwhichwillbepresentedtoprovethecase.TheProsecution/

Plaintiffstatementshouldincludeadescriptionofthefactsandcircumstancessurroundingthecase,as

wellasabriefsummaryofthekeyfactsthateachwitnesswillrevealduringtestimony.TheOpening

Statementshouldavoidtoomuchinformation.Itshouldalsoavoidargument,asthestatementis

specificallytoprovidefactsofthecasefromtheclientsperspective.

b. Defense(criminalorcivilcase)

Afterintroducingoneselfandonescolleaguestothejudge,thedefendantsattorneysummarizesthe

evidencefortheCourtwhichwillbepresentedtorebutthecase(ordenythevalidityofthecase)which

theplaintiffhasmade.Itincludesfactsthattendtoweakentheoppositionscase,aswellaskeyfactsthat

eachwitnesswillrevealduringtestimony.Itshouldavoidrepetitionoffactsthatarenotindispute,as

wellasstrongpointsoftheplaintiff/prosecutionscase.AswiththePlaintiffsstatement,Defenseshould

avoidargument

at

this

time.

3. DirectExaminationbythePlaintiff/Prosecutor(7minutesplus2minutesforVoirDire)

Theprosecutor/plaintiffsattorneyconductsdirectexamination(questioning)ofeachofitsownwitnesses.At

thistime,testimonyandotherevidencetoprovetheprosecutions/plaintiffscasewillbepresented.The

purposeofdirectexaminationistoallowthewitnesstorelatethefactstosupporttheprosecution/plaintiff

claimandmeettherequiredburden.Italsoallowscounselforeachsidetoestablishthecredibilityofeachof

theirwitnesses.(Ifopposingcounselchoosestovoirdireawitness,2minutesarepermitted,inadditionto

the7minutesallowedfordirectexamination.)

GeneralSuggestions:

Askopenendedquestions,ratherthanthosethatdrawayesornoresponse.Questionsthatbegin

with

who,

what,

where,

when,

and

how

or

explain

and

describe

are

helpful

duringdirectexamination.

Questionsshouldbeclearandconcise,andshouldhelpguideyourwitnessthroughdirectexamination.Witnessesshouldnotnarratetoolong,asitwilllikelydrawanobjectionfromopposing

counsel.

Donotaskquestionsthatsuggestaspecificanswerorresponse.4. CrossExaminationbytheDefendantsAttorneys(5minutes)

Aftertheattorneyfortheprosecution/plaintiffhascompletedthequestioningofawitness,thejudgethen

allowsthedefenseattorneytocrossexaminethewitness.Thecrossexaminerseekstoclarifyorcastdoubt

uponthetestimonyoftheopposingwitness.Inconsistencyinstories,bias,andotherdamagingfactsmaybe

pointedouttothejudgethroughcrossexamination.(Ifanattorneychoosestovoirdireawitness,2minutes

are

permitted,

in

addition

to

the

5

minutes

allowed

for

cross

examination.

These

2

minutes

are

typically

allottedduringthewitnessdirectexamination.)

GeneralSuggestions:

Usenarrow,leadingquestionsthatsuggestananswertothewitness.Askquestionsthatrequireyesornoresponses.

Ingeneral,itisneveragoodideatoaskquestionstowhichyoudonotknowtheanswerunexpectedresponsescanbecostlyandmayleaveyouunpreparedandoffguard.


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Neveraskwhy.Youdonotwanttogiveawellpreparedwitnessanopportunitytoexpanduponaresponse.

AvoidquestionsthatbeginwithIsntitafactthat,asitallowsanopportunisticwitnessanopportunitytodiscredityou.

5. DirectExaminationbytheDefendantsAttorneys(7minutesplus2minutesforVoirDire)Direct

examination

of

each

defense

witness

follows

the

same

pattern

as

above

which

describes

the

process

for

prosecutionswitness.(See#3aboveforsuggestions.)

6. CrossExaminationbytheProsecution/Plaintiff(5minutes)Crossexaminationofeachdefensewitnessfollowsthesamepatternasaboveforcrossexaminationbythe

defense.(See#4aboveforsuggestions.)

7. ReDirectExaminationbythePlaintiff/Prosecution(3minutesand/or3questions)ThePlaintiffs/Prosecutionsattorneymayconductredirectexaminationofthewitnesstoclarifyany

testimonythatwascastindoubtorimpeachedduringcrossexamination.(Maximumofthreeminutesor

threequestions.)

8. ReCrossExaminationbytheDefenseAttorneys(3minutesand/or3questions)Thedefenseattorneysmayrecrossexaminetheopposingwitnesstoimpeachprevioustestimony.(Maximumofthreeminutesorthreequestions.)

9. VoirDireExaminationbyEitherthePlaintiff/ProsecutionortheDefenseAttorneys(2minutes)

VoirDireistheprocessofaskingquestionstodeterminethecompetenceofanallegedexpertwitness.Before

givinganyexpertopinion,thewitnessmustbequalifiedbythecourtasanexpertwitness.Thecourtmustfirst

determinewhetherornotthewitnessisqualifiedbyknowledge,skills,experience,trainingoreducationto

givetheanticipatedopinion.Aftertheattorneywhocalledthewitnessquestionshim/herabouthis/her

qualificationstogivetheopinion,andbeforethecourtqualifiesthewitnessasanexpertwitness,the

opposingcounselshall(ifhe/shechoosestodoso)havetheopportunitytoconductabriefcrossexamination

(calledvoirdire)ofthewitnessqualifications.

10.Closing

Arguments

(Attorneys)

(5

minutes)

ForthepurposesoftheMockTrialCompetition,thefirstclosingargumentatalltrialsshallbethatofthe

Defense.

a. Defense

Aclosingargumentisareviewoftheevidencepresented.Counselforthedefensereviewstheevidence

aspresented,indicateshowtheevidencedoesnotsubstantiatetheelementsofachargeorclaim,

stressesthefactsandlawfavorabletothedefense,andasksforafindingofnotguilty(ornotatfault)for

thedefense.

b. Prosecution/Plaintiff

Theclosingargumentfortheprosecution/plaintiffreviewstheevidencepresented.The

prosecutions/plaintiffsclosingargumentshouldindicatehowtheevidencehassatisfiedtheelementsof

acharge,

point

out

the

law

applicable

to

the

case,

and

ask

for

afinding

of

guilt,

or

fault

on

the

part

of

the

defense.Becausetheburdenofproofrestswiththeprosecution/plaintiff,thissidehasthefinalword.

11. TheJudgesRoleandDecisionThejudgeisthepersonwhopresidesoverthetrialtoensurethatthepartiesrightsareprotectedandthat

theattorneysfollowtherulesofevidenceandtrialprocedure.Inmocktrials,thejudgealsohasthefunctionof

determiningthefactsofthecaseandrenderingajudgment,justasinactualbenchtrials.

PARTIV:SIMPLIFIEDRULESOFEVIDENCEANDPROCEDURE


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InAmericantrials,elaboraterulesareusedtoregulatetheadmissionofproof(i.e.,oralorphysicalevidence).

Theserulesaredesignedtoensurethatbothpartiesreceiveafairhearingandtoexcludeanyevidencedeemed

irrelevant,incompetent,untrustworthyorundulyprejudicial.Ifitappearsthataruleofevidenceisbeingviolated,

anattorneymayraiseanobjectiontothejudge.Thejudgethendecideswhethertherulehasbeenviolatedand

whethertheevidencemustbeexcludedfromtherecordofthetrial.Intheabsenceofaproperlymadeobjection,

however,the

evidence

will

probably

be

allowed

by

the

judge.

The

burden

is

on

the

attorneys

to

know

the

rules,

tobeabletousethemtopresentthebestpossiblecase,andtolimittheactionsofopposingcounselandtheir

witnesses.

Formalrulesofevidencearequitecomplicatedanddifferdependingonthecourtwherethetrialoccurs.For

purposesofthisMockTrialCompetition,therulesofevidencehavebeenmodifiedandsimplified.Notalljudges

willinterprettherulesofevidenceorprocedurethesameway,andyoumustbepreparedtopointoutthespecific

rule(quotingit,ifnecessary)andtoarguepersuasivelyfortheinterpretationandapplicationoftheruleyouthink

proper.Nomatterwhichwaythejudgerules,attorneysshouldaccepttherulingwithgraceandcourtesy!

1.SCOPE

RULE101: SCOPE.Theserulesgovernallproceedingsinthemocktrialcompetition.Theonlyrules

ofevidenceinthecompetitionarethoseincludedintheserules.

RULE102: OBJECTIONS.Anobjectionwhichisnotcontainedintheserulesshallnotbeconsidered

bytheCourt.However,ifcounselrespondingtotheobjectiondoesnotpointouttothe

judgetheapplicationofthisrule,theCourtmayexerciseitsdiscretioninconsidering

suchobjections.

2.RELEVANCY

RULE201: RELEVANCY.Relevantevidencemeansevidencehavinganytendencytomakethe

existenceofanyfactthatisofconsequencetothedeterminationoftheactionmore

probablyorlessprobablethanitwouldbewithouttheevidence.Itisthatwhichhelps

thetrieroffactdecidetheissuesofthecase.However,iftherelevantevidenceis

unfairlyprejudicial,confusestheissues,orisawasteoftime,itmaybeexcludedbythe

Court.

ExampleofaRelevantQuestion:Alex,what,ifany,interactionhaveyouhadwith

Dannysdogs?

ExampleofanIrrelevantQuestion:Alex,howmanysiblingsdoyouhave?

Objection:

Iobject,YourHonor.Thistestimonyisirrelevanttothefactsofthecase.

RULE202: CHARACTER.Evidenceaboutthecharacterofapartyorwitness(otherthanhisorher

characterfortruthfulnessoruntruthfulness)maynotbeintroducedunlessthepersons

characterisanissueinthecase.

Objection:

Objection.Evidenceofthewitnesscharacterisnotpropergiventhefactsofthecase.

3.WITNESSEXAMINATION

A.DIRECTEXAMINATION(attorneycallsandquestionswitness)

RULE301: FORMOFQUESTION.Witnessesshouldbeaskeddirectquestionsandmaynotbeasked

leadingquestionsondirectexamination.Directquestionsarephrasedtoevokeasetof


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10

factsfromthewitnesses.Aleadingquestion,ontheotherhand,isonethatimplies,

suggestsorpromptsthewitnesstoanswerinaparticularmanner typicallyayesor

noanswer.

ExampleofaDirectQuestion:

TheStateasks,Lynne,howmanytimeshaveyouhadtoconfiscateanimalsfromtheir

owners?

ExampleofaLeadingQuestion:

TheStateasks,Lynne,isntittruethatyoumakeahabitofconfiscatinganimals,even

whenthereslittleevidenceofabuse?

Objection:Objection:Counselisleadingthewitness.

NARRATION.Whilethepurposeofdirectexaminationistogetthewitnesstotella

story,thequestionsmustaskforspecificinformation.Thequestionsmustnotbeso

broadthatthewitnessisallowedtowanderornarrateanentirestory.Narrative

questionsareobjectionable.

ExampleofNarrativeQuestion:

Danny,telltheCourtaboutyourchildhood.

Objection:

Objection.Questionasksfornarration.

Attimes,adirectquestionmaybeappropriate,butthewitnessanswermaygobeyond

thefactsforwhichthequestionwasasked.Suchanswersaresubjecttoobjectionon

thegroundsofnarration.

RULE302: SCOPEOFWITNESSEXAMINATION.Directexaminationmaycoverallfactsrelevantto

thecase

of

which

the

witness

has

first

hand

knowledge.

Any

factual

areas

examined

on

directexaminationmaybesubjecttocrossexamination.

RULE303: REFRESHINGRECOLLECTION.Ifawitnessisunabletorecallastatementmadeinan

affidavit,theattorneyondirectmayshowthatportionoftheaffidavitthatwillhelpthe

witnesstoremember.

B.CROSSEXAMINATION(questioningtheothersideswitness)

RULE304: FORMOFQUESTION.Anattorneymayaskleadingquestionswhencrossexaminingthe

opponentswitnesses.Questionsthattendtoevokeanarrativeanswershouldbe

avoidedinmostinstances.

RULE305: SCOPEOFWITNESSEXAMINATION.Attorneysmayonlyaskquestionsthatrelateto

mattersbroughtoutbytheothersideondirectexaminationortomattersrelatingto

thecredibilityofthewitness.Thisincludesfactsandstatementsmadebythewitness

fortheopposingparty.Notethatmanyjudgesallowabroadinterpretationofthisrule.

Example:Ondirectexamination,awitnessisnotquestionedaboutagiventopic,and

theopposingattorneyasksaquestionaboutthistopiconcrossexamination.


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11

Objection:

Objection.Counselisaskingthewitnessaboutmatterswhichdidnotariseduringdirect

examination.

RULE306: IMPEACHMENT.Oncrossexamination,theattorneymayimpeachawitness(showthat

awitnessshouldnotbebelieved)by(1)askingquestionsaboutpriorconductthat

makesthe

witness

credibility

(truth

telling

ability)

doubtful,

or

(2)

asking

questions

aboutpreviouscontradictorystatements.Thesekindsofquestionscanonlybeasked

whenthecrossexaminingattorneyhasinformationthatindicatesthattheconduct

actuallyhappened.

C.REDIRECTEXAMINATION

RULE307: LIMITONQUESTIONS.Aftercrossexamination,uptothree(3),butnomorethanthree

(3),questionsmaybeaskedbythedirectexaminingattorney,andsuchquestionsare

limitedtomattersraisedbytheattorneyoncrossexamination.(Thepresidingjudgehas

considerablediscretionindecidinghowtolimitthescopeoftheredirect.)

NOTE:

Ifthecredibilityorthereputationfortruthfulnessofthewitnesshasbeenattackedoncrossexamination,

the

attorney

whose

witness

has

been

damaged

may

wish

to

ask

several

more

questions.

These

questions

shouldbelimitedtothedamagetheattorneythinkshasbeendoneandshouldbephrasedsoastotryto

savethewitnesstruthtellingimageintheeyesofthecourt.Redirectexaminationislimitedtoissues

raisedbytheattorneyoncrossexamination.PleasenotethatattimesitmaybemoreappropriateNOTto

engageinredirectexamination.

D.RECROSSEXAMINATION

RULE308: LIMITONQUESTIONS.Three(3)additionalquestions,butnomorethanthree(3),may

beaskedbythecrossexaminingattorney,andsuchquestionsarelimitedtomatterson

redirectexaminationandshouldavoidrepetition.(Thepresidingjudgehas

considerablediscretionindecidinghowtolimitthescopeoftherecross.)Likeredirect

examination,attimesitmaybemoreappropriatenottoengageinrecross

examination.

Objection:

Objection.Counselisaskingthewitnessaboutmattersthatdidnotcomeuponre

directexamination.

4.HEARSAY

A.THERULE

RULE401: HEARSAY.Hearsayisastatement,otherthanonemadebythedeclarantwhiletestifying

atthetrial,offeredinevidencetoprovethetruthofthematterassertedmadeoutside

ofthecourtroom.Statementsmadeoutsideofthecourtroomareusuallynotallowedas

evidenceiftheyareofferedincourttoshowthatthestatementsaretrue.Themost

commonhearsay

problem

occurs

when

awitness

is

asked

to

repeat

what

another

personstatedtohimorher.ForthepurposesoftheMockTrialCompetition,ifa

documentisstipulated,youmaynotraiseahearsayobjectiontoit.

Example:Alexstates:Iheardotherneighborstalkingabouthowloudanddisruptive

Dannysdogswerebeing.

Objection:Objection.Thestatementishearsay,YourHonor.


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12

PossibleResponsetotheObjection:YourHonor,thetestimonyisnotofferedtoprove

thetruthofthematterasserted,butonlytoshow.

B.EXCEPTIONS

RULE402: ADMISSIONAGAINSTINTEREST.Ajudgemayadmithearsayevidenceifitwassaidbya

partyinthecaseandcontainsevidencewhichgoesagainstthepartysside.

RULE403: STATEOFMIND.Ajudgemayadmithearsayevidenceifapersonsstateofmindisan

importantpartofthecaseandthehearsayconsistsofevidenceofwhatsomeonesaid

whichdescribedthatparticularpersonsstateofmind.

RULE404: BUSINESSRECORDS.Amemorandum,report,record,ordatacompilation,inanyform,

ofacts,events,conditions,opinions,ordiagnosis,madeatornearthetimebyorfrom

informationtransmittedbyapersonwithknowledge,ifkeptinthecourseofaregularly

conductedbusinessactivity,andifitwastheregularpracticeofthatbusinessactivityto

makethememorandum,report,record,ordatacompilation,allasshownbythe

testimonyofthecustodianorotherqualifiedwitness,unlessthesourceofthe

informationorthemethodofcircumstancesofpreparationindicatelackof

trustworthiness,

shall

be

admissible.

The

term

business

as

used

in

this

paragraph

includesbusiness,institution,association,profession,occupation,andcallingsofevery

kind,whetherornotconductedforprofit.

RULE405: EXCITEDUTTERANCE.Astatementrelatingtoastartlingeventorconditionmadewhile

thedeclarantwasunderthestressofexcitementcausedbytheeventorcondition.

5.OPINIONANDEXPERTTESTIMONY

RULE501: OPINIONTESTIMONYBYNONEXPERTS.Witnesseswhoarenottestifyingasexperts

maygiveopinionswhicharebasedonwhattheysaworheardandarehelpfulin

explainingtheirstory.AwitnessmayNOTtestifytoanymatterofwhichthewitnesshas

nopersonalknowledge,normayawitnessgiveanopinionabouthowthecaseshould

bedecided.

Example:Sam,doyoubelieve,basedonyourobservations,thatDannywasengagedin

trainingdogsforthepurposeoffightingthem?

Objections:

Objection.Thewitnesshasnopersonalknowledgethatwouldenablehim/herto

answerthisquestion/makethisstatement.

Objection.Thequestionasksthewitnesstogiveaconclusionthatgoestothefindingof

theCourt.

RULE502: OPINIONTESTIMONYBYEXPERTS.Onlypersonsqualifiedasexpertsmaygiveopinions

onquestionsthatrequirespecialknowledgeorqualifications.Anexpertmaybecalled

asawitnesstorenderanopinionbasedonprofessionalexperience.Anexpertmustbe

qualifiedbytheattorneyforthepartyforwhomtheexpertistestifying.Thismeansthat

beforetheexpertwitnesscanbeaskedforexpertopinion,thequestioningattorney

mustbringouttheexpertsqualifications,educationand/orexperience.

Example:(Priortobeingqualifiedasanexpert)Dr.Martin,pleaseexplaininjuriesthat

wouldbeconsistentwithdogfighting.

Objection:Objection.Counselisaskingthewitnesstogiveanexpertopinionforwhich

thewitnesshasnotbeenqualified.


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13

RULE503: VOIRDIRE.(Tospeakthetruth.)Afteranattorneywhohascalledawitnessquestions

him/herabouthis/herqualifications,andbeforethecourtqualifiesthewitnessasan

expert,theopposingcounselshallhavetheopportunity,ifhe/shechooses,toconduct

voirdire.Afterthevoirdireexaminationhasbeenconducted,thecrossexamining

attorneyshouldadvisethecourtastowhetherthereareanyobjectionstothewitness

beingqualified

as

an

expert

witness

and/or

whether

there

are

any

objections

to

the

witnessexpertisetogivethespecificopiniontheopposingcounselistryingtoelicit

fromthiswitness.

Example:

(afterquestioningbyanattorneytocreateafoundationforhis/herwitnesstobe

qualifiedbytheCourtasanexpertwitness):Atthistime,yourHonor,Irequestthatthe

Courtacceptandqualifythewitnessasanexpertinthefieldof.

Objection:

YourHonor,wewouldlikepermissiontovoirdirethewitness.

6.PHYSICALEVIDENCE

RULE601:

INTRODUCTION

OF

PHYSICAL

EVIDENCE.

Physical

evidence

may

be

introduced

only

if

it

iscontainedwithinthecasebookandrelevanttothecase.Physicalevidencewillnotbe

admittedintoevidenceuntilithasbeenidentifiedandshowntobeauthenticorits

identificationand/orauthenticityhasbeenstipulated.Thatadocumentisauthentic

meansonlythatitiswhatitappearstobe,notthatthestatementsinthedocumentare

necessarilytrue.

Physicalevidenceneedonlybeintroducedonce.Theproperproceduretousewhen

introducingaphysicalobjectordocumentforidentificationand/oruseasevidenceis

(forexample):

a. Showtheexhibittoopposingcounsel.b. Showtheexhibitandhaveitmarkedbytheclerk/judge.YourHonor,pleasehave

thismarked

as

Plaintiffs

Exhibit

1for

identification.

c. Askthewitnesstoidentifytheexhibit.InowhandyouwhatismarkedPlaintiffsExhibit1.Wouldyouidentifyit,please?

d. Askthewitnessabouttheexhibit,establishingitsrelevancy.e. Offertheexhibitintoevidence.YourHonor,weofferPlaintiffsExhibit1into

evidenceatthistime.

f. TheJudgewillaskopposingcounselwhetherthereisanyobjection,ruleontheobjectionifthereisone,andadmitornotadmittheexhibitintoevidence.

g. Iftheexhibitisadocument,handittotheclerk/judge.NOTE:Afteranaffidavithasbeenmarkedforidentification,awitnessmaybeaskedquestionsaboutit

withoutitsintroductionintoevidence.

7.INVENTION

OF

FACTS

(Special

Rules

for

the

Mock

Trial

Competition)

RULE701: DIRECTEXAMINATION.Ondirectexamination,thewitnessislimitedtothefactsand

evidenceprovidedinthecasebook.Ifawitnesstestifiesincontradictionofafactgiven

inthewitnessstatement,opposingcounselshouldimpeach(proveuntrue)thewitness

testimonyduringcrossexamination.Ifthewitnessgoesbeyondthefactsgiven,such

thattheydirectlyconflictwiththestipulatedfactsorwitnessaffidavits,abench

conferencemayberequestedbyopposingcounsel,atwhichtimethecounselmay

objecttoinventionoffacts.(Itshouldbenotedthatthegrantingofabenchconference


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14

isadiscretionarydecisionofthejudge.Arequestforabenchconferencemightnotbe

granted.)

Example:

Sam,exactlyhowmanydogshaveyouseenlivingattheHardinghomeovertheyears

youhavebeendeliveringmail.

Samreplies:

Oh,

at

least

adozen.

Objections:

Objection,yourhonor,thewitnessiscreatingfactswhicharenotintherecord.

Objection.Thewitnessisinventingfactsthatdirectlycontradictcasematerial.

YourHonor,thewitnessisintentionallycreatingfactswhichcouldmateriallyalterthe

outcomeofthecase.

RULE702: CROSSEXAMINATION.Questionsoncrossexaminationshouldnotseektoelicit

informationthatisnotcontainedinthefactpattern.Ifoncrossexaminationawitnessis

askedaquestion,theanswertowhichisnotcontainedinthewitnessstatementsofthe

directexamination,thewitnessmayrespondwithanyanswerwhichdoesnotmaterially

altertheoutcomeofthetrial.Ananswerwhichiscontrarytothewitnessaffidavitmay

beimpeached

by

the

cross

examining

attorney.

If

the

witness

invents

facts

material

to

thecase,abenchconferencemaybecalledand,ifgranted,anobjectionmadetothe

inventionoffacts.

8.SPECULATION

RULE801: Speculation,orsomeonesideaaboutwhatmighthaveoccurred,isgenerallynot

permitted.Awitnessmaynotjumptoconclusionsthatarenotbasedonactual

experiencesorobservations,asthisisoflittleprobativevalue.Someleewayisallowed

forthewitnesstousetheirownwords,andgreaterfreedomisallowedwithexpert

witnesses.

Objection:

"Objection.This

calls

for

speculation

on

part

of

the

witness.

9.PROCEDURERULES

RULE901: PROCEDURESFOROBJECTIONS.Anattorneymayobjectanytimetheopposingattorney

hasviolatedtheRulesofEvidence.

NOTE: Theattorneywhoisobjectingshouldstandupanddosoatthetimeofthe

violation.Whenanobjectionismade,thejudgewillusuallyaskthereasonforit.Then

thejudgewillturntotheattorneywhoaskedthequestionandthatattorneywillusually

haveachancetoexplainwhytheobjectionshouldnotbeaccepted(sustained)bythe

judge.Thejudgewillthendecidewhethertodiscardaquestionoranswerbecauseit

hasviolatedaruleofevidence(objectionsustained),orwhethertoallowaquestion

oranswertoremainonthetrialrecord(objectionoverruled).

RULE902:

MOTIONS

TO

DISMISS.

Motions

for

dismissal

at

the

end

of

the

prosecutions

case

are

NOTpermitted.

RULE903: CLOSINGARGUMENTS.Closingargumentsmustbebasedontheevidenceand

testimonypresentedduringthetrial.Offeringnewinformationatthispointis

prohibited.


15/59

DefendantsTableProsecution/PlaintiffTable

Witness

WelloftheCourtroom

Podium

Seatingforpublic

Witness

WelloftheCourtroom

Podium

Seatingforpublic

Prosecution/PlaintiffTableDefendantsTable

Note:Thelayoutofcourtroomsvarieswidelyfromcourthousetocourthouse.Prosecutionanddefensetablesareusuallydictatedbywherethejuryboxissituated(ifthereisajurybox).Inmostinstances,prosecutionsitsclosesttothejury,andthedefensesitsatthefartable.Thisisbasedonthepremisethatthedefendantisinnocentuntilprovenguilty,andsoisremoved(asfaraspossible)fromthescrutinyofthecourt.

#1

#2

CourtroomDiagram

15


16/59

16

INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHESTATEOFMARYLAND

INANDFORMONTGOMERYCOUNTY

StateofMaryland )

)

v. )

)DannyHarding, )

)

Defendant. )

______________________________________________________________________________

CASESUMMARY/STATEMENTOFSTIPULATEDFACTS

DannyHardingisaresidentoftheEverettcommunityinMontgomeryCounty,Maryland. Hardingworks

forABCPackaging,wherethemajorityoftheworkismanuallabor. Thoughwelllikedatworkandpopularamong

coworkers,Danny isfrequently lateandhasaratherhighnumberofabsences. Harding iscommonlyknownas

Flashamongclosefriends,asanodtoanobviouspreferenceforfinethings;designerlabels,afullyloadedLexus,

andsuch.

OnAugust23,2012,Hardinglefthomeat1:00pm,sotherewouldbesufficienttimetostopatthebank

andthedrycleanersonthewaytoABCPackaging.Dannywasscheduledtoworkthesecondshiftfrom3:00pmto

11:00pm. Around 2:05pm, an anonymous call was placed to 311, reporting suspicious sightings and sounds

emanating from1642ElmPointLane, theaddressofHardingshome. Policeweredispatchedand loggedtheir

arrivalat2:42pm. Hearingstrangewhimperingnoises,policeforcedtheirwayintotheresidence.

Policediscoveredsevenpitbullmixeddogsconfinedincratesinsidetheresidence,andoneDobermanin

aspaciouskennelinthebackyard. Fiveofthecrateswerelocatedonthefirstfloorofthehouse,andtwoofthe

crateswerelocatedinthebasement,whichwaspoorlylit,musty,andlinedwithbaffling. Thecrateslackedfood

and water, though many bowls were present in the house outside of the crates. By contrast, the kenneled

Dobermanhadanamplesupplyoffoodandwaterinsideherpristinespace.

Severalofthecrateddogshadbitemarkson their faces, legs,andbodies.WiththeexceptionofBella,

noneofthedogswerelicensed,norhadtheyreceivedrabiesorothercorevaccinations. Whilesomeofthedogs

wereunkemptinappearance,noneofthedogsappearedtobeinimminentdangerofdeath.

In thehouseandbackyard,policediscovereddogtraining equipment, includingharnesses, ropeswith

metalcoils,Velcroweights,abreedingstand,andchains. ThepoliceconfiscatedMuscleUpPowderandK9

SuperFuelanimalsupplements,BetadineSurgicalScrubwoundcleanser,steroids labeled fordoguse,and IVs.

Eight4footby3footpanelswithconnectinghingeswerefoundstackedagainstthewallinthebasement.When

latchedtogether,theycreatedan8footby8footbox.Labtestsconductedontheboardswere inconclusive,as

theyhadbeendousedwithanindustrialstrengthcleaner.

PolicecalledtheirAnimalControldivision,andOfficerGrahamresponded. OfficerGrahamtookalleight

dogsto

the

Montgomery

County

SPCA,

where

aveterinarian

examined

them.

The

dogs

were

treated

for

avariety

ofailments includingdehydration,kennelcough,urinary tract infection,mammarygland tumor, skin infections

anddiarrhea.

InsurveyingHardingshome,policealsonotedthat thehousecontainedanunusualamountofclutter,

includingmanyneatlyorganizedstacksofpapersandboxes. Thecluttercreatedalabyrinthinemazeinthehouse,

thougheachroomwasaccessibleandtraversable. Lackingawarrant,policedidnotopenanyoftheboxesorrifle

throughthepapers.


17/59

17

PolicetrackedHardingdownatworkandaskedthats/hevoluntarilycomewiththemtothepolicestation

todiscussthesituation. TheofficersnotedHardingsapparentsurprisewhentoldoftheeventsthattranspired

after s/he left forwork that day. During the interviewwith police,Harding volunteered that eachdogwas a

rescueanimal,savedfromlargelyunknown butclearlyunsavory circumstances.

Harding explained the presence of the training equipment, supplements, and medical supplies as

instrumentsused

in

the

rehabilitation

and

training

of

dogs.

Harding

explained

that

the

dogs

were

always

crated

whiles/hewasatwork,andthattheywereplaced intheonlycratess/hehadavailable.Hardingalsoexplained

thatamplefoodandwaterwasalwaysavailabletothedogswhens/hewashome.

Aftertheir interviewwithHarding,policefiledchargesagainsthimforabuseandneglectofanimalsand

aggravatedcrueltytoanimals. Afterreview,Hardingwas indictedonsevencountsofanimalabuseandneglect

andsevencountsofaggravatedcrueltytoanimals.

STATEMENTOFCHARGESANDDEFENSES

TheStateofMarylandchargesDannyHardingwiththefollowingviolationsofMarylandCode:

MDCode10604Abuseorneglectofanimal.

(a)(3).Apersonmaynotinflictunnecessarysufferingorpainonananimal;7counts

Danny

Harding

did

inflict

unnecessary

suffering

and

pain

to

Dog

#1,

Dog

#2,

Dog

#3,

Dog

#4,

Dog

#5,

Dog

#6,

and

Dog#7.

(a)(5).Ifthepersonhaschargeorcustodyofananimal,asanownerorotherwise,unnecessarilyfailtoprovidethe

animalwithnutritiousfood insufficientquantity,necessaryveterinariancare,properdrink,air,space,shelteror

protectionfromtheweather;7counts

DannyHardingdid fail toprovide theanimalwithnutritious food in sufficientquantity,necessaryveterinarian

care,properdrink,air,space,shelterorprotectionfromtheweathertoDog#1,Dog#2,Dog#3,Dog#4,Dog#5,

Dog#6,andDog#7.

MDCode10607.AggravatedcrueltytoanimalsCertainactivitiesrelatedtodogfightsprohibited.

(a)(3)Apersonmaynotpossess,own,sell,transport,ortrainadogwiththeintenttousethedoginadogfight;7

counts

DannyHardingdidpossess,own,sell,transport,ortrainadogwiththeintenttouseDog#1,Dog#2,Dog#3,Dog

#4,Dog#5,Dog#6,andDog#7inadogfight.

STIPULATIONS

Thepartieshavestipulatedtotheauthenticityandfactualaccuracyofthefollowingitems. Thepartieshavealso

agreedthattheitemsarenotindispute:

1. 311Transcript2. SPCAVeterinaryCareReports3. AnimalControlComplaintForm&Attachment4. PhysicalCareSkin&HaircoatChart

WITNESSESTOAPPEARBEFORETHECOURT

Witnessfor

the

Prosecution

LynneGraham,AnimalControlOfficer

Dr.TyJohnson,Veterinarian/AnimalTrainer

AlexVogel,Neighbor

Witnessesfor

the

Defense

DannyHarding,*Defendant

Dr.TaylorMartin,SPCAVeterinarian

SamShelton,USPSWorker

*Dannycanbeportrayedbyeithergender,andthefactpatterncanbeadjustedaccordingly.


18/59

18

LYNNEGRAHAM,WitnessfortheProsecution12

Iwork for theMontgomery County PoliceDepartment,where I am an Animal ControlOfficer for our Animal3

ServicesDivision.Thisisarelativelynewdivisionofthepolicedepartment;backwhenIfirstbegan,AnimalControl4

wasanindependentcountydepartment.About15yearsago,theyrolledthefunctionsofACintothecountypolice5

department.We respond to, and investigate more than 9,000 complaints annually, most of which are public6

nuisance

animals.

Thanks

to

high

profile

animal

cruelty

cases

like

Michael

Vick

and

Travers

and

Tremayne

Johnson,

7

wehaveseenan increasingnumberofcallsregardingsuspectedanimalcrueltycases. Ifthere isanygoodatall8

thathascomeoutofthesecases,itsthefactthatpeoplearemuchmoreawareofthesignsofanimalabuse,and9

muchlesswillingtotolerateit.10

11

In addition to our investigation,we inspect and license about 150 animalrelated business each year, provide12

administrative support for the AnimalMatters Hearing Board, and oversee a number of contracts relating to13

animals. We also investigate about 1,200 animal bite cases a year, and conduct six annual rabies vaccination14

clinics.Liketherestofourdepartments,westaybusy.15

16

Ihavebeenwith thedepartment since it firstopened in 1996, andprior to that, served asanAnimalControl17

Officer

for

4

years.

I

attended

Montgomery

College

and

received

an

AAS

Associate

of

Applied

Science

degree

in

18

CriminalJusticebeforebeginningmycareer.WhenIwasmuchyounger,Iaspiredtobeaveterinarianbecauseof19

myloveforanimals.But,Imarriedyoungandwesoonbeganafamily,andtherejustwasnttimeandmoneyfor20

school.Thatsaid,IdolovemyjobandthepeoplewithwhomIwork.21

22

OntheafternoonofAugust23,2012,wereceivedaphonecallonournonemergency line,fromananonymous23

caller. The caller noted several concerns, namely about noises thatwere emanating from a neighbors home.24

Althoughthecallerbelievedthenoisestobeassociatedwithanimals,ourregularpoliceofficersweredispatched25

tocheckoutthehome.Once insidetheresidence,theyfoundanumberofdogsthatappearedtobeunwell,so26

theycalledmydepartment.TheEverettcommunitywasinmyterritorythatday,soIresponded.27

28

Unlikethe

cartoonish

images

that

many

have

in

their

minds

when

thinking

of

old

time

animal

catchers,

ACOs

are

29

trainedtoactwithcaution,compassion,andcommonsense.Iverespondedtohouseswhereabunchofofficers30

havetheplacesurroundedwithadogcoweringinthecorneroftheyard.Theywanttotranquilizetheanimal;and31

allIdoiswalkcloserandcallgentlytothepoorthing,anditwalksovertomewaggingitstail.Honestly,thatsthe32

reasonwhywehavespecializeddepartments Iwouldntdaretrytoassertanyauthoritywhere Idontpossess33

theknowhow.Whenitinvolvesanimals,wegetcalledin,becauseweknowhowtorespondappropriately.34

35

Oneofthefirstthingsthattipsusoffsometimeswellbeforeweenteraresidenceisthesmellthatemanates36

from it.Thiswasthecaseonthisday. Idontmeananappallingsmell itsmoreanodorthatyoumightsmell37

whenyoutakeyourpettotheVet.Itsamixofanimals,fear,medicine,petwaste,andcleaners,sortofallmixed38

together. Ialwaysreferto itasthesicksmell,thoughthatprobablypaintsthewrong image. Inanycase,this39

househad

the

sick

smell.

40

41

Iwas instructedbyofficersalreadyonthescenetocomearoundtothebackofthehouse.Uponarriving, Iwas42

greetedbyabeautifulDoberman.Shewasinasubstantialkennelinthebackyard,withfreshwater,food,anda43

coupleoftoys.Partofthekennelwascoveredbyaroof,sothatshewouldbeshelteredby inclementweather.44

Underthecoveredpartwasafleecepetbed.Shewasdefinitelyabarker,soatfirst,Iwasinclinedtothinkthiswas45

moreofanuisancecall.46

Ienteredthedwellingthroughthebasementdoor,andwasabittakenabackbywhatIsaw.Thebasement,which47

had apartially tiled floor,washome to twodogsbothmixedpitbullbreeds. The crateswere small for the48


19/59

19

animals,andappearedtohavenotbeencleanedforsometime.Itsdifficulttosayhowlong,however,becauseit49

lookedasthoughtheywerebothsufferingfromdiarrhea.50

51

Thebottomofthecages,aswellasthebacksidesofthepupsthemselves,werecoveredinfeces.Thesetwodogs52

wereinprettybadconditionatfirstglance.Theyhaddeeppuncturewoundsontheirsnoutwhichdidnotlookto53

becleanedortreated.Understandably,theywereverywaryofus,andittooksometimetocoaxthemoutoftheir54

crates.

One

of

the

dogs

was

whining

loudly,

and

shaking

very

badly.

55

56

Proppedupagainstthewallwereeightplywoodboardslayingonthefloor,eachmeasuringapproximately4by3.57

Itlookedtobesomethinglikeamakeshiftenclosure,becauseeachboardcontainedlatches.Imguessingitcould58

probablybeputtogetherandtakenapartinamatterofminutes.59

60

Onthemainfloorofthehouse,wefoundfivemoredogs,allincratesthat,inmyopinion,weretoosmallfortheir61

sizes.Noneofthedogshadwaterorfoodintheircrates,buttherewerebowlsofwaterandfoodinvirtuallyevery62

roomofthehouse.Twoofthedogscrateshadurineand feces in them.Threeof thedogscrateswereclean.63

Someofthedogsappearedabitunkemptwithsomemattingontheirrearends.Noneofthedogsonthemain64

floorseemedtohaveserioushealthconditions,withtheexceptionofoneofthefemaledogswhichhada large65

growth

on

her

underside.

They

were

uncharacteristically

quiet,

despite

the

fact

that

strangers

were

traipsing

66

throughtheirhouse.Infact,oneoftheanimalsthefemalewithalargemassonherundersidesatshakingin67

hercratewhilewecompletedtheinvestigation.68

69

Inaddition to theanimals, I foundanumberof items thatweusuallyassociatewithdogtraining. Inoted two70

different vitamin supplements MuscleUp Powder and K9 Super Fuel commonly given to dogs that are71

receiving strengthtraining. I also tooknoteof a surgical scrubwound cleanser, steroids, IVs and a numberof72

piecesofequipment:harnesses,Velcroweights,andevenabreedingstand.The itemswere locatedthroughout73

thehouse,butprimarily in thebackyard.Allof these items raise serious red flags formeasanAnimalControl74

Officer,asmanyofthemarecommonlyusedbylesssophisticateddogfightingoperations.75

76

Onthe

other

hand,

there

are

also

tell

tale,

hard

to

conceal,

signs

of

dog

fighting

that

were

not

evident

during

my

77

investigation.Weroutinelyseefightpits,wheretheactualfightsoccur.Oftenthepitsaresplatteredwithblood,78

andinsomeinstances,remainsoftheunfortunatevictims.Weseebreaksticksthatareusedtodisengageonedog79

fromanother.Weoftenfindwashbasinssothatrespectiveownerscancleansetheirdogsopponenttoremove80

anypoisonousorcausticsubstancespriortothematch.Asnotedbypoliceonthescene,thefirstfloorwasbarely81

passablebecauseofboxeseverywhere.Inthebasement,however,therewasalarge,clear spaceinthemiddleof82

thebasementthatwaseasily15feetby15feet.Onecouldeasilyputtogetherthe4x3boardsinthatspace,and83

useitforadogfightingring.84

85

Iwouldnotethatnoneoftheitemsfound,noranyoftheitemsnotfound,arestandaloneproofofdogfighting.86

Rather,thetotalityofallparaphernaliaiswhatcreatesconsiderablesuspicion.87

88

Giventhefactthatatleastacoupleofthedogsseemedtobeinpoorhealthandunsavorylivingconditions,Ifeltit89

necessary to remove allof thedogs from the residenceandhave them examinedby the county SPCA. This is90

awfullyclosetoanimalhoarding,asfarasImconcerned.Ilearnedalongtimeagoifmygutsaystoremovethe91

animals,thenIhadbetterdoit,orrisklosingmanynightssleepovertheguiltandconcern.Manyoftheconditions92

thatareprevalentamongcaninesthat live inthistypeofenvironmentareascontagiousasthecommoncoldto93

humans, soweerron the sideof caution. Iconferredwith thepoliceofficerswho initially responded,andwe94

agreedthattheywouldquestionHardingimmediately.95


20/59

20

ALEXVOGEL,WitnessfortheProsecution12

MynameisAlexVogel,andIliveat1640ElmPointLaneinMontgomeryCounty,Maryland,nextdoortoDanny3

Harding. IworkatthedelicatessenatGiantGrocersrightinmyneighborhood.Ivebeenthereformorethan4

fifteen years, and enjoy the short commute. If its a niceday, Ill sometimeswalk towork. Its one of the5

reasons

I

decided

to

move

into

my

neighborhood

nearly

fourteen

years

ago.

6

Ourneighborhood istight. Itremindsmeoftheareawhere Igrewupnice,brick,rowhomes,where front7

doorsarealwaysopen,peoplesitontheirfrontporchestalkingtoneighbors,andfolksarealwayslookingout8

foroneanother.Itsalmostunheardofthesedays.WealsohaveaNeighborhoodWatchprogramitsnothing9

formal,butifsomethingorsomeoneissuspicious,weleteachotherknow.10

I figuredDannywould fit right in to the neighborhood. Itwas a sad situationMrs.Hardings passing so11

suddenly.IknowitwasdevastatingtoDanny,andreally,thewholeneighborhoodfeltthatway.Mrs.Harding12

wastheeyesandearsofourstreetrealnice,alwaysdoingnicethingsforothers,andreadytogossipabout13

thelatestnews.IbasicallywatchedDannygrowup.ThoughIwasalittleconcernedthatDannymightbetoo14

youngtokeepupthehousethewayMrs.Hardingwouldve liked,everythingseemedokay inthebeginning.15

Dannysnice

enough,

social

at

times,

keeps

the

house

and

yard

reasonably

neat

all

of

the

things

youd

want

16

inaneighbor.17

Upuntilthestartofthenewyear, itwasreasonablyquietoverthere,too.But,thenthedogsarrived.Danny18

alwayshadtheDobermanarealsweetdogwhodoesntdomuchmorethanwaghertailwhensheseesme.19

Shebarelybarked,whichiswhyIthoughtitoddthatIkepthearingbarkingcomingfromDannyshouse.Then,20

outofnowhereitseemed,Dannyhadabunchofdogslivingoverthere.21

Ononeoccasion,DannyaskedifIheardthedogswhens/hesoutofthehouse.IwasasdiplomaticasIcould22

bewithmyresponse,andsaidsomethinglikeIvegottenusedtothenoise.Imean,whatamIsupposedto23

sayIcanthearmyselfthinkbecausetheymakesucharacket? Icouldnteventellyouhowmanydogslive24

there.

They

look

the

same

to

me,

except

for

their

color.

In

the

mornings

and

on

the

weekends,

Id

see

Danny

in

25

thebackyardwiththedogs,shoutingorders likeamilitarycommander. Thankgoodnessforthechainlinked26

fence,becausesomeofthemlookferocious. Theydontbarkmuchandiftheydo,Dannyyellsatthem.But27

theyarealwaysfightingwithoneanother,orhavesomethingclenched intheirteeththattheyarewhipping28

aroundviolently. Theylookliketheywouldtearapartandeatanythingintheirway.29

Onseveraloccasions, IsawpeopleenteringDannyshome late in theeveninglike10pmorso,justas Iwas30

gettinghome fromwork. Ithought itoddthat theguestswouldsometimesbringtheirdogswiththem.The31

dogslookedliketheywerepullinghardontheirleashesandwearingmuzzles.Ishoutedovertosayhello,but32

Dannyjust lookedawayandrushed inside. Ithought itstrange,too,thatIwasnever invited.Imean,weare33

nextdoorneighbors.34

Ihave

never

reported

Danny

to

the

authorities

because

its

not

really

my

business

what

Danny

does

within

the

35

perimeterofthehome. Imafirmbelieverthatwhathappensinyourhomeshouldbeyourownbusiness. But36

thedanger tothecommunityposedbyviciousattackdogs,well,thatsanotherthing. Plus,thenoisethose37

cretinsmakewhenDannyisawayfromthehouseitsjustawful.Betweentheincessantbarkingandwhining,38

somethinghadtochange.ThehouseontheothersideofDanny isvacant; itwas foreclosedonacoupleof39

yearsago,soImprobablytheonlyoneaffectedbythenoise.40


21/59

21

AndthentherestherabbleofpeoplecomingandgoingfromDannyshomelateatnight.Theylovetoshowoff41

theirblingandfancycarsbutImnotjealous. OneofDannysnightguestsoncedoubleparkedhisBMW542

seriesnexttomy02HondaCivic,sothatIwascompletelyblockedin.Itsatthereforhours.AndthenwhenI43

tried tohave theguests car towed,Danny cameout andbribed the tow truckdriverwith cash! Laterhe44

apologizedtomeandsaid,Imakealotofmoneyofftheguywhodrivesthatcar;Ineedhimandhisbuddies45

to

come

back

as

much

as

possible.

You

know,

ABC

Packaging

doesnt

come

close

to

covering

all

my

bills.

46

Sometimes,IthinkDannydoesnthavethetimeorthepatiencetokeepupwithallthosedogs.Iknockedon47

Dannysdooronce,andofferedtotakeBellaoroneoftheotherdogsoffDannyshands;Ivealwayslikedthe48

ideaofhavingapetandthinkIcouldprovideagoodhome.Theycertainlywouldntbestuckincagesforhours49

onend inmyhouse. Dannygotreallydefensiveandsaid,Theyhaveaperfectlygoodhomerighthere. Plus50

thesedogsaretoopreciousandtoovaluabletobecaredforbyastranger. Youwouldntknowwhattodowith51

them. Afewdayslater,thepolicecameandsavedthosedogs.52


22/59

DR.TYJOHNSON,WitnessfortheProsecutionIhavealwaysaspiredtobeaveterinarian.IgrewuponafarminTexas,andwassurroundedbycows,chickens,

pigs, horses you name it from sunrise to sundown. Throughout my childhood, we had any number of

domesticatedanimalsaswell:cats,dogs,rabbitsandevenahamsterortwo.Mymotherintendedforthepetsto

work:the

dogs

were

herders

and

the

cats

were

mouse

catchers.

But,

when

they

werent

working,

Iwas

usually

sneakingthemintothehousetosleepinmyroomortogivethemdinnerscraps.Thisinfuriatedmymother,and

usuallynettedmeanextrahourofworkonthefarm,butitwasworthit.

MostofthekidsIgrewupwithwounduptakingovertheirfamilysfarm.Itsjustwhateveryonedidinmytown.

But,IknewIwouldgocrazyifIstayedthere.MuchasIlovedmyparentsandthefarmonwhichIgrewup,Iknew

Ineededadifferentlife.Muchtothechagrinofmyparents,Ifinishedhighschool,andwasacceptedintomyfirst

choiceundergraduateprogramatPennState.Fouryearslater,andafterreceivingmyBSinVeterinaryScience,I

wasaccepted intoCornellUniversitywhich, Imightaddwasjust recognizedasthenations topschool for

VeterinaryMedicine.Ithoroughlyenjoyedmyschooling,andreceivedafirstclasseducationincludingpaidwork

opportunities at local animal shelters and vet practices. After receiving my Doctors of Veterinary Medicine

(DVM),Ifollowed

the

love

of

my

life

to

Maryland,

because

s/he

had

been

offered

an

excellent

job

opportunity

in

MontgomeryCounty.Therest,astheysay,ishistory.Iworkedforalocalvetpracticeuntil1999andthenopened

myownpracticewithaformerschoolcolleague.MCSPCAcallsuponmetoprovideprobonomedicalserviceto

itsrescues.Itypicallyvolunteerabout1012hoursoftimeeachmonth.

Atapproximately4:15pmonThursday,August23,2012apoliceofficerand twoMontgomeryCountyAnimal

Controlofficersnotifiedmethattheywerebringing ineightdogs. THEMCSPCAhasanadhocagreementwith

thecountytotakedogsonacasebycasebasis,whenthecountyfacilityisatfullcapacityorlackstheexpertise

toaddressacomplexcase.Apparently,witheightdogs involvedandmany inneedof treatment, theofficers

decidedtobringthedogstous.

Theeight

dogs

brought

to

us

included

seven

pit

bull

mixed

dogs

and

one

Doberman.

The

officers

informed

me

thattheyhadnot locatedanyevidencethedogswere licensedorthattheyhadtheirrequiredrabiesshots. A

second records checkperformedby theofficers confirmed that all dogsbut theDobermanwereunlicensed.

Basedonmy immediate impression, sixofthedogsappeared tobe insomedistressand inneedofcare,but

noneofthedogsappearedtobeinanyimmediatedanger.

Ourteam immediatelybegantotriagetheneedsofthedogs. Iassessedthedogsconditionswiththehelpof

another staffveterinarian,aveterinaryassistant,and two technicians. Thedogsweregenerallyunkemptand

unhealthy inappearance,except for theDoberman.Twoofpitbullmixeddogshadbitemarksontheir faces,

legs,andbodies,whichraisedsomeobviousconcernsandsomesuspicionsastohowthewoundswerereceived.

Iwas

able

to

determine

from

examination

and

standard

diagnostic

tests

that

two

dogs

had

kennel

cough,

one

hadaurinarytract infection,anotherdogwassuffering fromamammaryglandtumor,andtwodogshadskin

infections.The samedogs thathad skin infectionswerealso suffering fromdiarrhea,whichwas likelycaused

from inadequate,orcomplete lackofmedical treatmentof thewoundscausing theskin infections.Webegan

treatment immediately fortheseconditionsastheybecameknowntous. Forthedogswithbitewounds,we

cleansedtheinjuries, andadministeredantibiotics.Onedog,Mark,requiredsuturingforonewound.Thebite

woundsthedogsdisplayedweremuchmoreseriousthanthosethatnormallyresultfromdogsatplay. Theyalso

weremoreserious thanthewoundsaveterinarianwouldnormallyexpecttoseewhendogs thatarerecently

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23/59

introduced, fight toestablishdominance.Thosewounds tend tobe superficial,occurringasdogsgrabatone

another with their mouthswithout clamping down. When veterinarians see puncture wounds, that usually

indicatesthatdogshavebittenfastandhard,clampingtheirjaw. Clampedjawstendtoindicate,inturn,afight

involvingseriousaggressionanddefense.

Ininteracting

with

the

dogs,

the

MCSPCA

staff

and

Ialso

noticed

some

behavioral

issues.

While

the

dogs

were

generallynonaggressivewiththestaffandallowedustoexamineandtreatthemeasily,thedogsshowedsigns

ofaggressionwhenbroughtintocloseproximitytooneanother.TheDobermanwasanexception,howevershe

isaverymildmannereddog,andseemsto lovethecompanyofpeopleandanimals.Thepitbullboxerwasat

theotherendofthespectrum;hewasextremelyaggressivewithourstaffandeasilyagitated.Unfortunately,our

dedicatedbehavioralisthasnotassessedthedogs. Shehasbeenoutonmedical leaveandwewerentableto

findsomeonewithhercredentialstosubstitute. However,veterinarianstakebasiccoursesinanimalbehavioras

partofourtraining. Alloftheveterinarians inour facilitycanrecognizeanddiagnosesimplebehaviorrelated

issues.

Inmyprofessionalopinion,thedogsconditionsandinjurieswerearesultofanimalneglect.Interestingly,more

andmore

attention

is

being

given

to

the

concept

of

animal

hoarding,

whereas

ten

years

ago

most

people

had

neverheardtheterm.Now,itsdepictedinbooks,ontheweb,andeventelevision.Inmostinstancesofreported

animalhoarding,therearemany,manyanimalshundreds,insomeoftheextremecases.Unfortunately,animal

hoardersjustifytheirbehaviorwiththethinkingthatnooneelsewillcarefortheanimals,andthat,iftheyseek

help, the animals will be euthanized. Typically, there is a failure to provide minimal standards of care, and

complete denial of the poor living conditions inwhich the animals are living.Animal hoarding can occur for

various reasons; although research on the topic is in its infancy, it can sometimes begin with the best of

intentionsbyTheRescueHoarderorTheOverwhelmedCaregiverandspiraloutofcontrol.

Themorepeople talkaboutand recognize the signsand symptomsofanimalabuse, thebetter forour four

leggedfriends.Wehaveseenanincreasingnumberofanimalcrueltycasesinthenewsthatsgood,peopleare

talking,observing,

recognizing.

However,

these

are

the

sensationalized

cases.

The

case

of

adog

being

violently

killed ishorrifying shockingbut, the reality is, inanimalhoardingcases, the suffering isenduredbymany

animalsformonthsandmonthsonend.

The Harding case is not nice and neat. There are characteristics that indicate abuse, neglect, hoarding, and

criminal intent. Someof the conditions, injuries,andbehaviorswere suggestiveofat least someof thedogs

beingusedindogfights. Ibasedthisopiniononthebreedsofthedogs,thebitewoundsapparentonthreeofthe

animals thatwere in various stages of healing, and the general neglect of at least six of the eight dogs. In

addition,policeandanimalcontrolofficersinformedmeoftheitemstheyfoundinthehouseharnesses,ropes

withmetalcoils,boardsthatcouldbe latchedtogetherto formadog fightingring,Velcroweights,abreeding

stand,chains,variousanimalsupplements,andvariousmedicalsupplies.Theseitemsarecommonindogfighting

cases.

Thefactis,six,possiblyseven,ofHardingseightdogswerelivinginsubstandardconditions.Itwasonlyamatter

oftimebeforesomethingfarmoreserioushappenedtooneormoreofthem.Fortunatelyforthepups,someone

recognizedthesignsandmadetheappropriatecall,ratherthanturningtheirbackonthesituation.

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24/59

DANNYHARDING,DefendantMynameisDannyHarding.Iam21yearsold.Iresideat1642ElmPointLaneinMontgomeryCounty,Maryland. For

thepast2andahalfyears, Ihaveworked forABCPackaging;ajob Ineveranticipatedasmycareer,butamvery

proudtohavenonetheless.

Mychildhoodwasfairlynormal. Iwasraisedbymystayathomemotherinamiddleclasshousehold. Wehadone

dog,aDobermannamedBella,whowehavealwaysregardedasamemberofthefamily.Igotherformy11th

birthday

she isthebestpresent Ihaveevergotten.My father,whobecamevery illandpassedawaywhen Iwas12,had

owned a gym andworked as a personal trainer. Growing up, I idolizedmy father andwanted to follow in his

footsteps.Myaspirationstobeapersonaltrainerandownafitnesscentercameaboutsoonafterhedied.

Upuntilaboutayearago,Iwaswellonthepathtoachievingthesegoals. Ididwellinhighschool,excelledinsports,

wasblessedwithmanyfriends,andhadamotherwhoprovidedeverythingthatshecouldforme. Ihavealwaysbeen

appreciativeofthethingsIwasgivenandmadeaconsciouseffortnottotakeanythingforgranted.Afterhighschool,

Irentedanapartment,tooksomecollegecoursestowardapersonaltrainercertification,andlandedajobatABC.Life

wasgood.

Everythingchangedwhenmymotherwaskilled inacaraccident,during the summerof2011.Oneof thehardest

things I ever had to do was sort through what she left behind. Going through her personal belongings was

excruciating. Iwasverydepressed. I learnedthatshedidntpartwithanythingofmy fathers. Itwasclearshestill

lovedhim,evenafterall theseyears. Idecided tomoveback tomymomshouse mychildhoodhome after she

passed. Inanattempttoholdontothememoriesofbetterdays, Ifound it impossibletothrowawayanythingthat

remindedmeofthosetimes,includingmyparentsbelongings,newspapers,andthelike.Ihadthebestofintentions

Iboxedupalotofthings,andplannedtoputtheminstorage.But,Ijustcouldntseemtodoittheboxesarestill

everywherethroughoutmyhouse.Myfriendsandcolleaguestriedtosupportmethroughthattime,buttheonlyone

whocouldmakemefeelbetterwasBella.Shewasmysalvation.

Despitethe

fact

that

she

is

getting

up

in

age,

Bella

and

Ifrequently

go

for

walks

or

runs.

Shes

always

by

my

side.

Duringthelasteightmonthsorso,Ibecameabitofafosterhomefordogs. Itwasntreallyintentionalatfirst;infact,

ithappenedabitbyaccident.Afriendofminewasmoving,andcouldnttakehertwopitbulls,SashiandSybil,with

her.Iagreedtoadoptthem,becauseIknowwhathappenstoa largemajorityofthepitbullsthatgo intoashelter.

Myfriendhaddevelopedafitnessroutinewiththedogs,andaskedthatIkeepuponit.Shegavemetheregimen,as

wellasmostofherdogtrainingequipment:harnesses,Velcroweightsandafewotheritems.

Peoplewouldseemewalkingthedogs,andtrainingthem inthebackyard. Itwasaconversationstarter,especially

whenIwaswithseveralofthepitbullsandBella.AcoupleofmonthsafterItookinmyfriendspitbulls,aneighbor

approachedmewithTheo,hispitbull boxer.Hewasimpressedwithmydogtrainingroutine,andaskedmetowork

withhisdog,too.BeforeIknewit,Theowasalsolivingwithme,andhisownerhadmovedwithouttellingme.

Bymidsummer,Ihadfourmoredogsinmycareallpitbullsorpitbullmixes.Acoupleofthemcametomepretty

batteredwhethertheywerestreetdogsorsomeoneelsesthrowawaystheyjustsortofshowedupatmyhouse.

Itwaschaosatfirst,Illadmitit.And,expensive.ButIfeltlike,forthefirsttimeinalongtime,Ihadsomedirection,or

purpose, in life .Acoupleofthedogshada toughtimesocializingwithoneanother;somewereaggressive,some

weretimidandsubmissive.IdecidedtobegintrainingthedogsIrescued. Ifigured,ifItrainthem,whynotdosowith

thepurposeofcompetingthem.Aftersomeresearch,IsettledontheLUGNUTSStrongDogcontest,whichisbasically

aweightpulling/strengthcompetition.If,afterconsistenttraining,oneormoreofthedogsappearednottobeofthe

caliberofLUGNUTS,thenIwouldplacethemwithotherfamilies,whowouldloveandcarefortheminthewaythey

deserve.Thatgoalcametoascreechinghaltwhenmydogsweretakenawayfromme.

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I trained thedogsutilizinga rigorousworkout routine. I spentmostofeachmorningbefore Iwent towork

outsidewithmydogs sometimestheywouldbeoutsidetogether,andsometimes Iwouldworkwiththem in

rotation. My dogsweremy athletes, and I trained them like a loving coachwould,which iswhy I bought

numerousdog supplementsand trainingequipment. Becauseofmywork schedule, they spenteight tonine

hourseachdayinkennels.Pitbullmixesneedalotofexercisetobehappy,healthy,andtoalleviateaggression,

sotheworkoutroutinewasonewayIcouldensuretheyweregettingenoughphysicalactivity.

Mynewestrescuesalwaysstartinthebasement,sothatanyinfectionorillnesshasalesserchanceofspreading

tomyotherdogs.Infact,IhadtomoveColeandSunnyupstairsalittlesoonerthanIhadhoped,becauseItook

inmytwomostrecentrescuessoonafterColeandSunny. IthoughtitapropostonamethemScarandMark,

because they came tome in pretty bad shape; in fact, each had a fair number ofwounds and scars that I

assumed resulted from lifeonthestreets. Imadesuretocleansethemsothattheywouldhealproperly,but

theystillhavealotofscars.Ikepttheminthebasement,becauseIhavenotyethadachancetogetthemtothe

veterinarian. Ivedonequiteabitofresearchonprovidingmedicalcareandconditioningforanimalsathome.

Thatcomeswiththeterritoryofdogtraining.Ihavetothinkthat,whiletheyrenotlivinginthemostluxuriousof

conditions,theyrefarbetteroffwithmethanfromwheretheycame.ScarandMarkareinmuchbettershape

nowthenwhentheycametomeafewweeksago.

ThepolicequestionedmeaboutabunchofthingsthesizeofthecratesIwasusing,theequipmenttheyfound,

thevitaminsupplements,eventheplywood inthebasement. Ihave learnedtousewhat isreadilyavailableto

meIhadacoupleofcratesfromwhenBellawasyounger,andIvehadacouplegiventome.Iboughttherest

atyardsalesand thriftstores tokeepmycostsas lowas Ican. Irealizetheyrenot theperfectsize,but they

provideadequate,safespaceforthedogstosleepwhileIamoutofthehouse.Iwouldntdareleavethemoutof

thecrateswhenIamnothome,asacoupleofthemdonotgetalongthatwell;andfrankly,fromexperience,Ive

learned that theyll tear the house up if theyrenot crated.As far as the equipment goes someof itwas

purchased secondhand, and some was given to me, with the exception of the supplements and medical

equipment.

I

only

buy

dietary

and

medical

supplies

from

reputable

companies.

And,

as

far

as

the

plywood

boards

go,

my

Dad

originallybuiltthattoserveasababygateofsortsforBella,whenshewasapuppy.Itgavehermoreroomthan

acrate,especiallyasshegrew,butstillkeptherconfinedandsafewhenwewerenthome.Theboardsstillserve

theirpurpose,and Ive continued touse them. Imnotgoing toapologize for that,justbecause itsnot the

prettiestsetup.

Because the animals that I took in had no knownmedical history, I did notwant to have rabies and other

vaccinesadministered for fearofovervaccination. Ialways takemydogs forwellnesschecks,andplannedto

havetheirmedicalconditionsassessedatthattime.Ofcourse,lifegetsbusy,andIhavenottakenthefourmost

recentrescues.But,myVetknowsme,andmanyofmydogs,andknowsthatIcareabouttheirwellbeing.

Iknow

my

dogs

behave

well

when

Im

not

home.

Ihave

asked

my

neighbors

from

time

to

time

to

let

me

know

if

theyeverhearexcessbarkingornoise,becauseIdonotwanttobeanuisancehereintheneighborhood.Every

timeIhaveeverasked,theyhavesaidtheyrarelyhearanything.Thedogsmaybarkorwhimperonceinawhile,

due toanxiety,because theydont likebeing alone.They thoroughly enjoybeingaroundpeoplewhom they

trust. I have friends over on occasion; in the beginning, a couple ofmy new adoptionswere very skittish

aroundthem.But,astheybecamefamiliarwithmyfriends,thepupswerehappytoseethemwaggingtheir

tails,andgivingplentyof licks.Wellplaypokerorrummy,sitaroundtalking,and letthepupswrestlearound

witheachotherandus,whichtheylove.Itstheirplaytime,andIguess,youcouldsayoursaswell.Icompletely

resentthefactthattheyaretryingtomakeacriminalcaseoutofasocialhour.

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DR.TAYLORMARTIN,WitnessfortheDefenseMynameisDr.TaylorMartin. IamalicensedveterinarianwithWhiskersAnimalHospitalinRockville,Maryland.

Iamboardcertified in internalmedicine. Iam34yearsold. Iammarriedand liveat367OliveLane inSilver

Spring.

IearnedmyDoctorofVeterinaryMedicinefromtheVirginiaMarylandRegionalCollegeofVeterinaryMedicine.

I completedmy internalmedicine residency at theUniversity ofPennsylvaniaRyanVeterinaryHospital. Ive

workedatWhiskersforfouryears.

Ourhospitalandkennelarestaffedbyateamofveterinarians,veterinaryassistants,andtechnicians. Manyof

our veterinarians have specialized training. We pride ourselves on being a regional and national leader in

veterinarymedicine and animal care. We provide stateoftheartdiagnosis and treatment, andwework as

advocatesforanimalprotection. Weofferemergencyservicestwentyfourhoursaday,sevendaysaweek. We

havefulldiagnosticservicesonsite,and inadditiontoveterinarymedicalcare,weofferarangeofbehavioral

services. Weareconsideredaboutiquepracticeamongprivatefacilities.

Becausemy caseload ishigh, Ihad toconsultour recordsatWhiskers inorder to rememberDannyHarding.

DannysDoberman,Bella,hasbeenapatientofours since shewasapuppy. Inaddition toBella,Dannyhas

broughtinthreeotherdogsallpitbullmixes.WehaverecordsforthefollowingdogsownedbyDanny: Sashi,

Theo,Sybil,andBella.IrecallaconversationthatwehadduringDannysmostrecentvisitabouttherescuesthat

s/hetakes in.Asamatterofprocedure,wetalkwithourpatientsownersandadvisethemonpropercarefor

informal adoptions or rescues.Danny specifically thankedme for the information, and said that s/hewas

trainingthedogs for theLUGNUTSStrongDogContest toprovethatsomeoneelsesthrowawayscouldbe

champions,too.

Dannybrought thepitbulls toourhospital for relativelyminor injuriesand illnessesoveraperiodof several

monthsthefirst

in

February

and

the

most

recent

in

May.

Danny

explained

that

the

dogs

were

rescues.

Id

considerthemadoptions,however,sinceDannyknewthepreviousowners. Thedogswerewellbehavedwith

our staff. While they displayed some symptoms of aggression towards other dogswhen brought into close

proximitywiththem,this isnotunusualwhenagroupofdogsaresuddenlyforcedtosharethesamespaceor

home.

Ourfacilitydidnotadministerrabiesshots,anecessarystepinlicensingdogs,sinceDannyinformedusthatthe

shotshad been administeredpreviously and the recordswouldbe forwarded. Whiskersnever received any

records;however,thiswouldhavebeenpursuedonorabouttheanniversaryoftheeachdogsinitialvisits. Itis

ourpracticetosendreminderstoourpatientsownersregardingvaccinationsandsuch.

Accordingto

our

medical

records,

Theo

was

brought

to

our

office

in

February

and

treated

for

kennel

cough

and

a

skininfectiontwoverycommonillnessesamongdogs.WhenTheowasbroughtinacouplemonthslater,itwas

forbitewounds. Thewoundswerentlifethreatening,buttheywereindicativeofadogfight. Mynotesindicate

thatIquestionedDannyabouttheoriginofthewounds,asveterinariansaretrainedtodo. Dannyexplainedthat

thedogwasinamultianimalhome,andthatoneoftheotherrecentrescuedogswasnotsocializingwell. The

dogshadgotteninafight.

Danny seemed tobeoverextendedwith somanydogs in thehouse, and I recommended that someof the

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adoptionsberelinquishedtoarespectablenokillshelter.IalsorecommendedthatDannytakeinfewerdogs

in the future, to which Danny seemed taken aback, offended even. Rehabilitating that many animals

requiresexperience,knowledge,time,patience,andseriousresources. Manypeopledontunderstandthe

timeandfinancialcommitment. Dannysheartseemedtobeintherightplace,butIwasntsures/hecould

givetheanimalsthecaretheyneeded.

ThatwasthelastmedicalvisitDannymadetoWhiskers.

Ivereviewedtheevidencecollectedinthiscasebypolice,whichincludedharnesses,ropeswithmetalcoils,

Velcroweights,abreeding stand,chains,andplyboards,aswellasMuscleUpPowderandK9 Super

Fuelanimalsupplements,BetadineSurgicalScrubwoundcleanser,steroidslabeledfordoguse,andIVs. It

ismyprofessionalopinionthattheseitemscouldallreasonablybepossessedbysomeonewhoisengagedin

dogtraining This isespecially true if thatpersonwas inclinedbyeithernatureornecessity toadminister

basicmedicalattentiontotheanimalsathome.

IdontknowDannyscircumstances,butitcanbequiteexpensivetocareforpets. Itisevenmoreexpensive

tocare

for

rescue

animals.

The

bills

for

recue

dogs

could

total

several

thousand

dollars

in

any

given

year.

I

alsofearthatmysuggestiontogiveupsomeanimalsmayhavescaredDannyfromreturningtoWhiskersor

anyotherfacility. DannymayhavebelievedthatsomeofthedogswereindangerofbeingtakenawayifI,

oranotherveterinarian,believedtheanimalswereneglected.

Idonotbelieve,basedonmyprofessionalexperience,thatDannywasengagedindogfighting. Theinjuries

and illnesses I treated inDannysdogswereascommonas thecoldvirus inhumans. Dogfightingyields

horribleinjurieseventothesupposedwinner.ThesearenotthetypesofinjuriesthatDannysdogshad.

TheonlytimeIwasreallyconcernedwaswiththebitewound,buttheexplanationthatDannyofferedwas

completelyplausible.

Asan

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2013 Mock Trial Case