1190. Other Evidence Not Required to Support Testimony in Sex Offense Case

Conviction of a sexual assault crime may be based on the testimony of a complaining witness alone.

Bench Notes

Instructional Duty

This instruction may be given on request if a complaining witness testifies in a sex offense case. The court has a sua sponte duty to give CALCRIM No. 301, Single Witness's Testimony, in every case. (People v. Rincon-Pineda (1975) 14 Cal.3d 864, 884-885 [123 Cal.Rptr. 119, 538 P.2d 247].) Because both instructions correctly state the law and each focuses on a different legal point, there is no implication that the victim's testimony is more credible than the defendant's testimony. (People v. Gammage (1992) 2 Cal.4th 693, 700-702 [7 Cal.Rptr.2d 541, 828 P.2d 682] [resolving split of authority on whether the two instructions can be given together].)

Authority

Instructional Requirements. People v. Blassingill (1988) 199 Cal.App.3d 1413, 1422 [245 Cal.Rptr. 599]; People v. Akey (1912) 163 Cal. 54, 55-56 [124 P. 718].

Conviction of Sex Crime Sustained on Prosecutrix's Uncorroborated Testimony. People v. Poggi (1988) 45 Cal.3d 306, 326 [246 Cal.Rptr. 886, 753 P.2d 1082].

Given Together With Instruction on Single Witness's Testimony. People v. Gammage (1992) 2 Cal.4th 693, 701-702 [7 Cal.Rptr.2d 541, 828 P.2d 682]; People v. Hollis (1991) 235 Cal.App.3d 1521, 1525-1526 [1 Cal.Rptr.2d 524].

Secondary Sources

5 Witkin & Epstein, California Criminal Law (3d ed. 2000) Criminal Trial, § 651.

4 Millman, Sevilla & Tarlow, California Criminal Defense Practice, Ch. 85, Submission to Jury and Verdict, § 85.03[2][b] (Matthew Bender).

6 Millman, Sevilla & Tarlow, California Criminal Defense Practice, Ch. 142, Crimes Against the Person, § 142.23[3][e][ii] (Matthew Bender).

(New January 2006)