EVIDENCE-EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES-USE OF PARDONED CONVICTION TO ATTACK CREDIBILITY OF ACCUSED AS WITNESS

To attack the credibility of defendant charged with larceny of an automobile, the prosecution cross-examined him as to a prior conviction based upon unauthorized use of an automobile. Defendant had received a full pardon pursuant to a Presidential proclamation of general amnesty for federal offenders with one year or more of honorable World War II service. On appeal after conviction, held, affirmed, one judge dissenting. A full pardon does not deprive the state of the right to use a prior conviction in attacking the credibility of the accused as witness.

Richards v. United States, (D.C. Cir. 1951) 192 F. (2d) 602.