Never Yell Fire in a Crowded Retirement Home: Part 2

Last episode lighted by Alan Keath Walker.

The police case against Sophia rests entirely on the "deathbed confession" of Mrs. Hargrove. With certain limited exceptions, statements by a witness who is unavailable to testify at trial are inadmissible hearsay, even if given under oath. A criminal defendant has an absolute right to face and cross-examine any witness called against them, and any testimony that does not allow for cross-examination can't be used. The Hargrove confession would have been ruled inadmissible at the first hearing and the case dismissed.

References Later with Bob Costas (1988)