EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Hon. Diane O. Leasure (Ret.

Co-Chair
Shannon McClellan

November 9, 2012

Co-Chair University of MD, School of Nursing

Moges Abebe

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, sadly setting a dog on fire, and of people mutilating or abusing animals. In other instances, wellintentioned 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 importance of caring for animals and the penalties that potentially occur when one does not take proper care 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 critical thinking; 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 lawrelated 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 case preparation 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 this casebook. We wish you a very successful year and a rewarding learning experience.

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. Beale

Attorney 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. Farace

Attorney 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-BED

Victor A. Sulin

Attorney at Law
Kathleen J. P. Tabor

Best Regards,

Attorney at Law
Hon. Jamey Weitzman

Shannon McClellan
Shannon McClellan, Esq. Co-Chair, CLREP

Hon. Diane O. Leasure

Hon. Diane O. Leasure Co-Chair, CLREP

Ellery M. Rick Miller, Jr.

Ellery M. Rick Miller, Jr. Executive Director, CLREP

District Court, Baltimore City

Charles S. Winner

Attorney at Law

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

TABLEOFCONTENTS
OrganizationalRules PreparingforCompetition:HelpfulHints TrialProcedures SimplifiedRulesofEvidence&Procedure CourtroomDiagram StipulatedFactPattern WitnessesfortheProsecution AnimalControlOfficer,LynneGraham Neighbor,AlexVogel Veterinarian,Dr.TyJohnson WitnessesfortheDefense Defendant,DannyHarding Veterinarian,Dr.TaylorMartin USPSMailCarrier,SamShelton Evidence&Exhibits 311Transcript AnimalControlComplaint&InvestigationForm MontgomeryCountySPCAMedicalEvaluations PhysicalCareScaleHaircoat&Nails MarylandCriminalLawCode Traceyv.Solesky FactsonAnimalCruelty Appendices GuidelinesforAttorneyAdvisors HelpfulHintsforCompetitionJudges SampleScoreSheet Calendar StateChampions

3 5 6 9 15 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 31 33 41 42 44 56 57 58 59 InsideCover BackCover

20122013 MSBAHIGHSCHOOLMOCKTRIALCOMPETITION PARTI:ORGANIZATIONALRULES 1. Forfeitsareprohibited.Asaregisteredteam,youagreetoattendallscheduledcompetitions.Ifateamdoes nothaveanadequatenumberofstudents(i.e.duetoillness,athletics,orotherconflicts),itisstillexpectedto attendandparticipateinthecompetition.Intheseinstances,ateamwillborrowstudentsfromthe opposingteam.Whilethisistreatedasanautomaticwinfortheopposition,bothteamsstillgainthepractice experience.Further,itmaintainstheintegrityofthecompetitionandisrespectfuloftheCourt,Presiding Judge,attorneysandtheotherteamthathaspreparedandtraveledtothecompetition.Ifthisoccurs,coaches shouldmakeeveryefforttonotifythelocalcoordinatorANDtheothercoachinadvanceofthecompetition. Whenanopposingteamdoesnothaveenoughstudentstoassisttheotherteam,studentsmaydepicttwoor moreoftheroles(i.e.theymaydepict2witnessesorplaythepartof2attorneys). 2. Studentattorneysareexpectedtokeeptheirpresentationslimitedtospecifictimeguidelines.Itisthe presidingjudgessolediscretionastohoworifthetimeguidelineswillbeimplementedduringeach competition.TeamsshouldNOTobjectiftheyperceiveaviolationoftheseguidelines. Openingstatements/closingarguments5minuteseach; Directexamination7minutesperwitness; VoirDire,ifnecessary2minutesperexpertwitness(inadditiontothetimepermittedfordirectand crossexamination) Crossexamination5minutesperwitness; ReDirectandReCrossExamination3minutesandamaximumof3questionsperwitness. 3. Localcompetitionsmustconsistofenoughmatchesthateachparticipatinghighschoolpresentsbothsidesof theMockTrialcaseatleastonce. 4. Ateammustbecomprisedofnofewerthaneight(8)butamaximumoftwelve(12)studentmembersfrom thesamehighschool,withtheexceptionofhighschoolswithaMarylandStateDepartmentofEducation interscholasticathleticsdesignationofClass2AorClass1A,whichmaycombinewithanyotherschoolsinthe LEAinthoseclassificationstofieldateam.Twoalternatestudentsarepermittedduringthelocal competitiononly.Ifateamadvancesbeyondthelocalcompetition,anofficialrostermustbesubmittednot exceeding12students. 5. Ateammayuseitsmemberstoplaydifferentrolesindifferentcompetitions.(SeePartII:HintsonPreparing fortheCompetition).Foranysinglecompetition,allteamsaretoconsistofthree(3)attorneysandthree(3) witnesses,foratotalofsix(6)differentstudents.Foranysinglecompetition,astudentmaydepictonerole onlyofeitherwitnessORattorney.(Note:InCircuits1and2,whereteamstypicallyparticipateintwo competitionspereveningonceasprosecutionandonceasdefensestudentsmaychangerolesforthe secondcompetition.) 6. Anyhighschoolwhichfieldsmorethanoneteam(TeamAandTeamB,forexample)mayNEVERallow,under anycircumstances,studentsfromTeamAtocompeteforTeamBorviceversa.Ifahighschoolfieldstwoor moreteams,eachteammusthaveadifferentteachercoachandadifferentattorneycoachthantheother team.Additionally,ifahighschoolhasmultipleteams,thenthoseteamsMUSTcompeteagainstoneanother inlocal(circuit)competition. 7. A.)AreasofcompetitioncoincidewiththeeightJudicialCircuitsofMaryland.Eachcircuitmusthavea minimumoffour(4)teams.However,inordertoprovidetheopportunityforasmanyteamstoparticipateas possible,ifacircuithastwo(2)orthree(3)teams,theymaycompeteinaRoundRobintodeterminewho willrepresentthecircuitinthecircuitplayoff.Therunnerupteamfromanothercircuitwouldbeselectedto

competebasedupontheirwinningrecordandaveragepointsscoredduringlocalcompetitionrounds.This teamwouldcompetewiththecircuitrepresentativeinaplayoffpriortotheRegionalCompetition.Whena circuithasonlyoneregisteredteam,CLREPmaydesignateanothercircuitinwhichthisteammaycompete. B.)OR,underthediscretionofacircuitcoordinatorandCLREP,ifacircuitsochooses,itmaycombinewiththe unofficialcircuittoincreasethenumberofopportunitiestocompete.Inthiscase,acircuitopeningarises andwillbefilledbythefollowingmethod.Tocreatethemostequity,asequentialrotationofcircuitswill occur.Ifwilling,thesecondplaceteamfromthespecifiedcircuitwilladvancetotheregionalcompetitionsto filltheopening.Ifthatteamisunabletoadvance,theopportunitywillmovetothenextcircuit,andsoon, untiltheopeningisfilled.Intheeventthatallcircuitsareofficiallycomprisedofaminimumoffourteams,the designatedcircuitwillremainthenextinlinetoadvanceinfutureyears. 20122013 Circuit1 20162017 Circuit5 20132014 Circuit2 20172018 Circuit6 20142015 Circuit3 20182019 Circuit7 20152016 Circuit4 20192020 Circuit8 8. EachcompetingcircuitmustdeclareoneteamasCircuitChampionbyholdinglocalcompetitionsbasedonthe officialMockTrialGuideandrules.ThatrepresentativewillcompeteagainstanotherCircuitChampionina singleeliminationcompetitiononApril10or11,2013. ThedatesfortheRegionals,theSemiFinals,andtheFinalswillbesetandnoticegiventoallknown participatinghighschoolsbyNovember13,2012.Changeswillonlyoccurduetoconflictsinjudicialschedules.

9.

10. DistrictCourtjudges,CircuitCourtjudges,andattorneysmaypresideandrenderdecisionsforallmatches.If possible,ajudgefromtheCourtofAppealsorCourtofSpecialAppealswillpresideandrenderadecisionin theFinals. 11. AnyteamthatisdeclaredaRegionalRepresentativemustagreetoparticipateonthedatessetforthe remainderofthecompetition.Failuretodosowillresultintheireliminationfromthecompetitionandthe firstrunnerupinthatcircuitwillthenbetheRegionalRepresentativeunderthestipulations. 12. Winnersinanysingleroundshouldbepreparedtoswitchsidesinthecaseforthenextround.Circuit Coordinatorswillprepareandinformteamsofthelocalcircuitschedule. 13. CLREPencouragesTeacherCoachesofcompetingteamstoexchangeinformationregardingthenamesand genderoftheirwitnessesatleast1daypriortoanygivenround.Theteachercoachforthe plaintiff/prosecutionshouldassumeresponsibilityforinformingthedefenseteachercoach.Aphysical identificationofallteammembersmustbemadeinthecourtroomimmediatelyprecedingthetrial. 14. MembersofaschoolteamenteredinthecompetitionincludingTeacherCoaches,backupwitnesses, attorneys,andothersdirectlyassociatedwiththeteamspreparationareNOTtoattendtheenactmentsof ANYpossiblefutureopponentinthecontest. 15. Allteamsaretoworkwiththeirattorneycoachinpreparingtheircases.Itissuggestedthattheymeetwith theirAttorneyAdvisoratleasttwicepriortothebeginningofthecompetition.Forsomesuggestionsregarding theAttorneyAdvisorsroleinhelpingateamprepareforthetournament,seePARTII:HintsonPreparingfor MockTrialandAppendixA. 16. THEREISNOAPPEALTOAJUDGESDECISIONINACASE.CLREPretainstherighttodeclareamistrialwhen therehasbeengrosstransgressionoftheorganizationalrulesand/oregregiousattempttounderminethe intentandintegrityoftheMockTrialCompetition.Uponthecoachesreviewof,andsignatureonthescore sheet,THEOUTCOMEISFINAL.
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 17. ThereshallbeNOcoachingofanykindduringtheenactmentofamocktrial:i.e.studentattorneysmaynot coachtheirwitnessesduringtheotherteamscrossexamination;teacherandattorneycoachesmaynotcoach teammembersduringanypartofthecompetition;membersoftheaudience,includingmembersoftheteam whoarenotparticipatingthatparticularday,maynotcoachteammemberswhoarecompeting;andteam membersmusthavetheircellphonesandallotherelectronicdevicesturnedoffduringcompetitionastexting maybeconstruedascoaching.TeacherandAttorneyCoachesMAYNOTsitdirectlybehindtheirteamduring competitionasanymovementsorconversationsmaybeconstruedascoaching. 18. Itisspecificallyprohibitedbeforeandduringtrialtonotifythejudgeofstudentsages,grades,schoolnameor lengthoftimetheteamhascompeted. 19. Thestudentattorneywhodirectlyexaminesawitnessistheonlyattorneywhomayraiseobjectionswhen thatsamewitnessisbeingcrossexamined.Thestudentattorneywhoraisesobjectionsondirectexamination mustbethesameattorneywhothencrossexaminesthatsamewitness.Thissameprincipleappliesifa studentattorneycallsforabenchconference;i.e.,itmustbetheattorneycurrentlyaddressingtheCourt.The studentattorneywhohandlestheopeningstatementmaynotperformtheclosingargument. 20. JudgingandscoringattheRegional,SemiFinalandStatewideFinalCompetitionsaredistinctfromjudgingand scoringinsomelocalcompetitions.Asinarealtrial,thejudgewillpreside,hearobjectionsandmotions, 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),mustbemadeavailable duringthetrialfortheopposingteamsuse.Duringwitnessidentificationexchanges,pleasealerttheother teamifyouplantousemodifiedmaterials. PARTII:HINTSONPREPARINGFORAMOCKTRIALCOMPETITION ThefollowingtipsweredevelopedbylongtimeMockTrialCoaches. 1. Everystudent,teacherandattorneyparticipatinginateamspreparationshouldreadtheentiresetof materials(caseandguide)anddiscusstheinformation,proceduresandrulesusedinthemocktrial competition.Students:youareultimatelyresponsibleforallofthisonceCourtisinsession. 2. Examineanddiscussthefactsofthecase,witnesstestimonyandthepointsforeachside.Recordkey informationasdiscussionproceedssothatitcanbereferredtointhefuture. 3. Witnesscredibilityisveryimportanttoateamspresentationofthecase.Witnesses:moveintoyourroles andattempttothinkasthepersonyouareportraying.Readoveryouraffidavitsmanytimesandhaveother membersofyourteamaskyouquestionsaboutthefactsuntilyouknowthem. 4. Studentattorneys:youshouldhaveprimaryresponsibilityfordecidingwhatpossiblequestionsshouldbe askedofeachwitnessondirectandcrossexamination.Questionsforeachwitnessshouldbewrittendown and/orrecorded.Writeoutkeypointsforyouropeningstatementsandclosingargumentsbeforetrial;then, incorporateadditionalpointsthataroseduringthecompetitionforinclusioninyourclosingargumentto highlighttheimportantdevelopmentsthatoccurredduringthetrial.Concise,summary,pertinentstatements

whichreflectthetrialthatthejudgejustheardarethemostcompellingandeffective.Bepreparedfor interruptionsbyjudgeswholiketoquestionyou,especiallyduringclosingarguments. 5. Thebestteamsgenerallyhavestudentattorneyspreparetheirownquestions,withtheTeacherandAttorney Coachesgivingtheteamcontinualfeedbackandassistance.Basedonthesepracticesessions,student attorneysshouldcontinuerevisingquestionsandwitnessesshouldcontinuestudyingtheiraffidavits. Asyouapproachyourfirstroundofcompetition,youshouldconductatleastonecompletetrialasadress rehearsal.Allformalitiesshouldbefollowedandnotesshouldbetakenbyeveryone.Evaluatetheteams presentationtogether.TrytoschedulethissessionwhenyourAttorneyCoachcanattend. Someofthemostimportantskillsforteammemberstolearnare:

6.

7.

Decidingwhichpointswillproveyoursideofthecaseanddevelopingthestrategyforprovingthose points. Statingclearlywhatyouintendtoproveinanopeningstatementandthenarguingeffectivelyinyour closingthatthefactsandevidencepresentedhaveprovenyourcase. Followingtheformalityofcourt;e.g.,standingupwhenthejudgeentersorwheneveryouaddressthe Bench,andappropriatelyaddressingthejudgeasYourHonor,etcetera. Phrasingdirectexaminationquestionsthatarenotleading(carefullyreviewtherulesofevidenceand watchforthistypeofquestioninginpracticesessions). Refrainingfromaskingsomanyquestionsoncrossexaminationthatwellmadepointsarelost.Whena witnesshasbeencontradictedorotherwisediscredited,learntolimitadditionalquestions,astheyoften lessentheimpactofpreviouslymadepoints. Thinkingquicklyonyourfeetwhenawitnessgivesyouanunexpectedanswer,anattorneyasks unexpectedquestions,orajudgethrowsquestionsatyou. Recognizingobjectionablequestionsandanswers,offeringthoseobjectionsquicklyandprovidingthe appropriatebasisfortheobjection. Payingattentiontoallfacetsofthetrial,notjustthepartsthatdirectlyaffectyourpresentation.All informationheardisinfluential!Learntolistenandincorporateinformationsothatyourpresentation, whetherasawitnessoranattorney,isthemosteffectiveitcanbe. TheMockTrialshouldbeasenjoyableasitiseducational.Whenwinningbecomesyourprimary motivation,theentirecompetitionisdiminished.CoachesandstudentsshouldprepareATLEASTas muchforlosingastheydoforwinning/advancing.Eachmemberoftheteamstudentorcoachis personallyresponsibleforhis/herbehaviorpriorto,during,andatthecloseofthetrial.Thereareschools andindividualsacrossthestatethatarenolongerwelcometoparticipatebasedonpreviousbehavior.

PartIII:TrialProcedures Beforeparticipatinginamocktrial,itisimportanttobefamiliarwiththephysicalsettingofthecourtroom,aswell aswiththeeventsthatgenerallytakeplaceduringthecompetitionandtheorderinwhichtheyoccur.Thissection outlinestheusualstepsinabenchtrialthatis,withoutajury. 1. TheOpeningoftheCourt a. EithertheclerkoftheCourtorthejudgewillcalltheCourttoorder.

Whenthejudgeenters,allparticipantsshouldremainstandinguntilthejudgeisseated. Thecasewillbeannounced;i.e.,TheCourtwillnowhearthecaseof________v.________. Thejudgewillthenasktheattorneysforeachsideiftheyareready. 2.OpeningStatements(5minutesmaximum) a. Prosecution(criminalcase)/Plaintiff(civilcase) Afterintroducingoneselfandonescolleaguestothejudge,theprosecutororplaintiffsattorney 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 avoidargumentatthistime. 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.Questionsthat beginwithwho,what,where,when,andhoworexplainanddescribearehelpful duringdirectexamination. Questionsshouldbeclearandconcise,andshouldhelpguideyourwitnessthroughdirect examination.Witnessesshouldnotnarratetoolong,asitwilllikelydrawanobjectionfromopposing counsel. Donotaskquestionsthatsuggestaspecificanswerorresponse. CrossExaminationbytheDefendantsAttorneys(5minutes) Aftertheattorneyfortheprosecution/plaintiffhascompletedthequestioningofawitness,thejudgethen allowsthedefenseattorneytocrossexaminethewitness.Thecrossexaminerseekstoclarifyorcastdoubt uponthetestimonyoftheopposingwitness.Inconsistencyinstories,bias,andotherdamagingfactsmaybe pointedouttothejudgethroughcrossexamination.(Ifanattorneychoosestovoirdireawitness,2minutes arepermitted,inadditiontothe5minutesallowedforcrossexamination.These2minutesaretypically allottedduringthewitnessdirectexamination.) GeneralSuggestions: Usenarrow,leadingquestionsthatsuggestananswertothewitness.Askquestionsthat requireyesornoresponses. Ingeneral,itisneveragoodideatoaskquestionstowhichyoudonotknowtheanswer unexpectedresponsescanbecostlyandmayleaveyouunpreparedandoffguard.

b. c. d.

4.

Neveraskwhy.Youdonotwanttogiveawellpreparedwitnessanopportunitytoexpand uponaresponse. AvoidquestionsthatbeginwithIsntitafactthat,asitallowsanopportunisticwitnessan opportunitytodiscredityou.

5.

DirectExaminationbytheDefendantsAttorneys(7minutesplus2minutesforVoirDire) Directexaminationofeachdefensewitnessfollowsthesamepatternasabovewhichdescribestheprocessfor prosecutionswitness.(See#3aboveforsuggestions.) CrossExaminationbytheProsecution/Plaintiff(5minutes) Crossexaminationofeachdefensewitnessfollowsthesamepatternasaboveforcrossexaminationbythe defense.(See#4aboveforsuggestions.) ReDirectExaminationbythePlaintiff/Prosecution(3minutesand/or3questions) ThePlaintiffs/Prosecutionsattorneymayconductredirectexaminationofthewitnesstoclarifyany testimonythatwascastindoubtorimpeachedduringcrossexamination.(Maximumofthreeminutesor threequestions.) ReCrossExaminationbytheDefenseAttorneys(3minutesand/or3questions) Thedefenseattorneysmayrecrossexaminetheopposingwitnesstoimpeachprevioustestimony. (Maximumofthreeminutesorthreequestions.)

6.

7.

8.

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.ClosingArguments(Attorneys)(5minutes) ForthepurposesoftheMockTrialCompetition,thefirstclosingargumentatalltrialsshallbethatofthe Defense. a.Defense Aclosingargumentisareviewoftheevidencepresented.Counselforthedefensereviewstheevidence aspresented,indicateshowtheevidencedoesnotsubstantiatetheelementsofachargeorclaim, stressesthefactsandlawfavorabletothedefense,andasksforafindingofnotguilty(ornotatfault)for thedefense. b.Prosecution/Plaintiff Theclosingargumentfortheprosecution/plaintiffreviewstheevidencepresented.The prosecutions/plaintiffsclosingargumentshouldindicatehowtheevidencehassatisfiedtheelementsof acharge,pointoutthelawapplicabletothecase,andaskforafindingofguilt,orfaultonthepartofthe defense.Becausetheburdenofproofrestswiththeprosecution/plaintiff,thissidehasthefinalword. 11. TheJudgesRoleandDecision Thejudgeisthepersonwhopresidesoverthetrialtoensurethatthepartiesrightsareprotectedandthat theattorneysfollowtherulesofevidenceandtrialprocedure.Inmocktrials,thejudgealsohasthefunctionof determiningthefactsofthecaseandrenderingajudgment,justasinactualbenchtrials. PARTIV:SIMPLIFIEDRULESOFEVIDENCEANDPROCEDURE

 InAmericantrials,elaboraterulesareusedtoregulatetheadmissionofproof(i.e.,oralorphysicalevidence). Theserulesaredesignedtoensurethatbothpartiesreceiveafairhearingandtoexcludeanyevidencedeemed irrelevant,incompetent,untrustworthyorundulyprejudicial.Ifitappearsthataruleofevidenceisbeingviolated, anattorneymayraiseanobjectiontothejudge.Thejudgethendecideswhethertherulehasbeenviolatedand whethertheevidencemustbeexcludedfromtherecordofthetrial.Intheabsenceofaproperlymadeobjection, however,theevidencewillprobablybeallowedbythejudge.Theburdenisontheattorneystoknowtherules, 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

factsfromthewitnesses.Aleadingquestion,ontheotherhand,isonethatimplies, suggestsorpromptsthewitnesstoanswerinaparticularmannertypicallyayesor 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 thecaseofwhichthewitnesshasfirsthandknowledge.Anyfactualareasexaminedon directexaminationmaybesubjecttocrossexamination. REFRESHINGRECOLLECTION.Ifawitnessisunabletorecallastatementmadeinan affidavit,theattorneyondirectmayshowthatportionoftheaffidavitthatwillhelpthe witnesstoremember.

RULE303:

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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RULE306:

Objection: Objection.Counselisaskingthewitnessaboutmatterswhichdidnotariseduringdirect examination. IMPEACHMENT.Oncrossexamination,theattorneymayimpeachawitness(showthat awitnessshouldnotbebelieved)by(1)askingquestionsaboutpriorconductthat makesthewitnesscredibility(truthtellingability)doubtful,or(2)askingquestions aboutpreviouscontradictorystatements.Thesekindsofquestionscanonlybeasked whenthecrossexaminingattorneyhasinformationthatindicatesthattheconduct actuallyhappened.

C.REDIRECTEXAMINATION RULE307: LIMITONQUESTIONS.Aftercrossexamination,uptothree(3),butnomorethanthree (3),questionsmaybeaskedbythedirectexaminingattorney,andsuchquestionsare limitedtomattersraisedbytheattorneyoncrossexamination.(Thepresidingjudgehas considerablediscretionindecidinghowtolimitthescopeoftheredirect.)

NOTE: Ifthecredibilityorthereputationfortruthfulnessofthewitnesshasbeenattackedoncrossexamination, theattorneywhosewitnesshasbeendamagedmaywishtoaskseveralmorequestions.Thesequestions 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 commonhearsayproblemoccurswhenawitnessisaskedtorepeatwhatanother personstatedtohimorher.ForthepurposesoftheMockTrialCompetition,ifa documentisstipulated,youmaynotraiseahearsayobjectiontoit. Example:Alexstates:Iheardotherneighborstalkingabouthowloudanddisruptive Dannysdogswerebeing. Objection:Objection.Thestatementishearsay,YourHonor.

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PossibleResponsetotheObjection:YourHonor,thetestimonyisnotofferedtoprove thetruthofthematterasserted,butonlytoshow. B.EXCEPTIONS RULE402: RULE403: STATEOFMIND.Ajudgemayadmithearsayevidenceifapersonsstateofmindisan importantpartofthecaseandthehearsayconsistsofevidenceofwhatsomeonesaid whichdescribedthatparticularpersonsstateofmind. 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,shallbeadmissible.Thetermbusinessasusedinthisparagraph includesbusiness,institution,association,profession,occupation,andcallingsofevery kind,whetherornotconductedforprofit. EXCITEDUTTERANCE.Astatementrelatingtoastartlingeventorconditionmadewhile thedeclarantwasunderthestressofexcitementcausedbytheeventorcondition. ADMISSIONAGAINSTINTEREST.Ajudgemayadmithearsayevidenceifitwassaidbya partyinthecaseandcontainsevidencewhichgoesagainstthepartysside.

RULE404:

RULE405:

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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 RULE503: VOIRDIRE.(Tospeakthetruth.)Afteranattorneywhohascalledawitnessquestions him/herabouthis/herqualifications,andbeforethecourtqualifiesthewitnessasan expert,theopposingcounselshallhavetheopportunity,ifhe/shechooses,toconduct voirdire.Afterthevoirdireexaminationhasbeenconducted,thecrossexamining attorneyshouldadvisethecourtastowhetherthereareanyobjectionstothewitness beingqualifiedasanexpertwitnessand/orwhetherthereareanyobjectionstothe witnessexpertisetogivethespecificopiniontheopposingcounselistryingtoelicit fromthiswitness. Example: (afterquestioningbyanattorneytocreateafoundationforhis/herwitnesstobe qualifiedbytheCourtasanexpertwitness):Atthistime,yourHonor,Irequestthatthe Courtacceptandqualifythewitnessasanexpertinthefieldof. Objection: YourHonor,wewouldlikepermissiontovoirdirethewitness.

6.PHYSICALEVIDENCE RULE601:

INTRODUCTIONOFPHYSICALEVIDENCE.Physicalevidencemaybeintroducedonlyifit iscontainedwithinthecasebookandrelevanttothecase.Physicalevidencewillnotbe admittedintoevidenceuntilithasbeenidentifiedandshowntobeauthenticorits identificationand/orauthenticityhasbeenstipulated.Thatadocumentisauthentic meansonlythatitiswhatitappearstobe,notthatthestatementsinthedocumentare necessarilytrue. Physicalevidenceneedonlybeintroducedonce.Theproperproceduretousewhen introducingaphysicalobjectordocumentforidentificationand/oruseasevidenceis (forexample): a. Showtheexhibittoopposingcounsel. b. Showtheexhibitandhaveitmarkedbytheclerk/judge.YourHonor,pleasehave thismarkedasPlaintiffsExhibit1foridentification. c. Askthewitnesstoidentifytheexhibit.InowhandyouwhatismarkedPlaintiffs Exhibit1.Wouldyouidentifyit,please? d. Askthewitnessabouttheexhibit,establishingitsrelevancy. e. Offertheexhibitintoevidence.YourHonor,weofferPlaintiffsExhibit1into evidenceatthistime. f. TheJudgewillaskopposingcounselwhetherthereisanyobjection,ruleonthe objectionifthereisone,andadmitornotadmittheexhibitintoevidence. g. Iftheexhibitisadocument,handittotheclerk/judge.

NOTE:Afteranaffidavithasbeenmarkedforidentification,awitnessmaybeaskedquestionsaboutit withoutitsintroductionintoevidence. 7.INVENTIONOFFACTS(SpecialRulesfortheMockTrialCompetition) RULE701: DIRECTEXAMINATION.Ondirectexamination,thewitnessislimitedtothefactsand evidenceprovidedinthecasebook.Ifawitnesstestifiesincontradictionofafactgiven inthewitnessstatement,opposingcounselshouldimpeach(proveuntrue)thewitness testimonyduringcrossexamination.Ifthewitnessgoesbeyondthefactsgiven,such thattheydirectlyconflictwiththestipulatedfactsorwitnessaffidavits,abench conferencemayberequestedbyopposingcounsel,atwhichtimethecounselmay objecttoinventionoffacts.(Itshouldbenotedthatthegrantingofabenchconference

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RULE702:

isadiscretionarydecisionofthejudge.Arequestforabenchconferencemightnotbe granted.) Example: Sam,exactlyhowmanydogshaveyouseenlivingattheHardinghomeovertheyears youhavebeendeliveringmail. Samreplies:Oh,atleastadozen. Objections: Objection,yourhonor,thewitnessiscreatingfactswhicharenotintherecord. Objection.Thewitnessisinventingfactsthatdirectlycontradictcasematerial. YourHonor,thewitnessisintentionallycreatingfactswhichcouldmateriallyalterthe outcomeofthecase. CROSSEXAMINATION.Questionsoncrossexaminationshouldnotseektoelicit informationthatisnotcontainedinthefactpattern.Ifoncrossexaminationawitnessis askedaquestion,theanswertowhichisnotcontainedinthewitnessstatementsofthe directexamination,thewitnessmayrespondwithanyanswerwhichdoesnotmaterially altertheoutcomeofthetrial.Ananswerwhichiscontrarytothewitnessaffidavitmay beimpeachedbythecrossexaminingattorney.Ifthewitnessinventsfactsmaterialto thecase,abenchconferencemaybecalledand,ifgranted,anobjectionmadetothe inventionoffacts.

8.SPECULATION RULE801:

Speculation,orsomeonesideaaboutwhatmighthaveoccurred,isgenerallynot permitted.Awitnessmaynotjumptoconclusionsthatarenotbasedonactual experiencesorobservations,asthisisoflittleprobativevalue.Someleewayisallowed forthewitnesstousetheirownwords,andgreaterfreedomisallowedwithexpert witnesses. Objection: "Objection.Thiscallsforspeculationonpartofthewitness.

9.PROCEDURERULES RULE901:

PROCEDURESFOROBJECTIONS.Anattorneymayobjectanytimetheopposingattorney hasviolatedtheRulesofEvidence. NOTE:Theattorneywhoisobjectingshouldstandupanddosoatthetimeofthe violation.Whenanobjectionismade,thejudgewillusuallyaskthereasonforit.Then thejudgewillturntotheattorneywhoaskedthequestionandthatattorneywillusually haveachancetoexplainwhytheobjectionshouldnotbeaccepted(sustained)bythe judge.Thejudgewillthendecidewhethertodiscardaquestionoranswerbecauseit hasviolatedaruleofevidence(objectionsustained),orwhethertoallowaquestion oranswertoremainonthetrialrecord(objectionoverruled). MOTIONSTODISMISS.Motionsfordismissalattheendoftheprosecutionscaseare NOTpermitted. CLOSINGARGUMENTS.Closingargumentsmustbebasedontheevidenceand testimonypresentedduringthetrial.Offeringnewinformationatthispointis prohibited.

RULE902: RULE903:

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CourtroomDiagram

#1 Witness

WelloftheCourtroom

Podium

Prosecution/ PlaintiffTable

Defendants Table

Seatingforpublic

#2 Witness WelloftheCourtroom

Podium

Defendants Table

Prosecution/ PlaintiffTable

Seatingforpublic

Note:Thelayoutofcourtroomsvarieswidelyfromcourthousetocourthouse. Prosecutionanddefensetablesareusuallydictatedbywherethejuryboxis situated(ifthereisajurybox).Inmostinstances,prosecutionsitsclosesttothe jury,andthedefensesitsatthefartable.Thisisbasedonthepremisethatthe defendantisinnocentuntilprovenguilty,andsoisremoved(asfaraspossible) fromthescrutinyofthecourt.

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INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHESTATEOFMARYLAND INANDFORMONTGOMERYCOUNTY StateofMaryland ) ) v. ) ) DannyHarding, ) ) Defendant. ) ______________________________________________________________________________ CASESUMMARY/STATEMENTOFSTIPULATEDFACTS Danny Harding is a resident of the Everett community in Montgomery County, Maryland. Harding works forABCPackaging,wherethemajorityoftheworkismanuallabor.Thoughwelllikedatworkandpopularamong coworkers, Danny is frequently late and has a rather high number of absences. Harding is commonly known as Flashamongclosefriends,asanodtoanobviouspreferenceforfinethings;designerlabels,afullyloadedLexus, andsuch. On August 23, 2012, Harding left home at 1:00pm, so there would be sufficient time to stop at the bank and the drycleaners on the way toABC Packaging. Dannywas scheduled to work the second shift from 3:00pm to 11:00pm. Around 2:05pm, an anonymous call was placed to 311, reporting suspicious sightings and sounds emanating from 1642 Elm Point Lane, the address of Hardings home. Police were dispatched and logged their arrivalat2:42pm.Hearingstrangewhimperingnoises,policeforcedtheirwayintotheresidence. Police discovered seven pitbull mixed dogs confined incrates inside the residence, and oneDoberman in a spacious kennel in the backyard. Five of the crates were located on the first floor of the house, and two of the crates were located in the basement, which was poorly lit, musty, and lined with baffling. The crates lacked food and water, though many bowls were present in the house outside of the crates. By contrast, the kenneled Dobermanhadanamplesupplyoffoodandwaterinsideherpristinespace. Several of the crated dogs had bite marks on their faces, legs, and bodies. With the exception of Bella, none of the dogs were licensed, nor had they received rabies or other core vaccinations. While some of the dogs wereunkemptinappearance,noneofthedogsappearedtobeinimminentdangerofdeath. In the house and backyard, police discovered dogtraining equipment, including harnesses, ropes with metal coils, Velcro weights, a breeding stand, and chains. The police confiscated Muscle Up Powder and K9 Super Fuel animal supplements, Betadine Surgical Scrub wound cleanser, steroids labeled for dog use, and IVs. Eight 4foot by 3foot panels with connecting hinges were found stacked against the wall in the basement. When latched together, they created an 8foot by 8foot box. Lab tests conducted on the boards were inconclusive, as theyhadbeendousedwithanindustrialstrengthcleaner. Police called their Animal Control division, and Officer Graham responded. Officer Graham took all eight dogs to the Montgomery County SPCA, where a veterinarian examined them. The dogs were treated for a variety of ailments including dehydration, kennel cough, urinary tract infection, mammary gland tumor, skin infections anddiarrhea. In surveying Hardings home, police also noted that the house contained an unusual amount of clutter, includingmanyneatlyorganizedstacksofpapersandboxes.Thecluttercreatedalabyrinthinemazeinthehouse, though each room was accessible and traversable. Lacking a warrant,policedid notopen any ofthe boxes or rifle throughthepapers.

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PolicetrackedHardingdownatworkandaskedthats/hevoluntarilycomewiththemtothepolicestation to discuss the situation. The officers noted Hardings apparent surprise when told of the events that transpired after s/he left for work that day. During the interview with police, Harding volunteered that each dog was a rescueanimal,savedfromlargelyunknownbutclearlyunsavorycircumstances. Harding explained the presence of the training equipment, supplements, and medical supplies as instruments used in the rehabilitation and training of dogs. Harding explained that the dogs were always crated while s/he was at work, and that they were placed in the only crates s/he had available. Harding also explained thatamplefoodandwaterwasalwaysavailabletothedogswhens/hewashome. After their interview with Harding, police filed charges against him for abuse and neglect of animals and aggravated cruelty to animals. After review, Harding was indicted on seven counts of animal abuse and neglect 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 animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinarian care, proper drink, air, space, shelter or protectionfromtheweather;7counts Danny Harding did fail to provide the animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinarian care, proper drink, air, space, shelter or protection from the weather to Dog #1, Dog #2, Dog #3, Dog #4, Dog #5, Dog#6,andDog#7. MDCode10607.AggravatedcrueltytoanimalsCertainactivitiesrelatedtodogfightsprohibited. (a)(3) A person may not possess, own, sell, transport, or train a dog with the intent to use the dog in a dogfight; 7 counts DannyHardingdidpossess,own,sell,transport,ortrainadogwiththeintenttouseDog#1,Dog#2,Dog#3,Dog #4,Dog#5,Dog#6,andDog#7inadogfight. STIPULATIONS The parties have stipulated to the authenticity and factual accuracy of the following items. The parties have also agreedthattheitemsarenotindispute: 1. 311Transcript 2. SPCAVeterinaryCareReports 3. AnimalControlComplaintForm&Attachment 4. PhysicalCareSkin&HaircoatChart WITNESSESTOAPPEARBEFORETHECOURT WitnessfortheProsecution WitnessesfortheDefense LynneGraham,AnimalControlOfficer DannyHarding,*Defendant Dr.TyJohnson,Veterinarian/AnimalTrainer Dr.TaylorMartin,SPCAVeterinarian AlexVogel,Neighbor SamShelton,USPSWorker *Dannycanbeportrayedbyeithergender,andthefactpatterncanbeadjustedaccordingly.

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LYNNEGRAHAM,WitnessfortheProsecution I work for the Montgomery County Police Department, where I am an Animal Control Officer for our Animal ServicesDivision.Thisisarelativelynewdivisionofthepolicedepartment;backwhenIfirstbegan,AnimalControl wasanindependentcountydepartment.About15yearsago,theyrolledthefunctionsofACintothecountypolice department. We respond to, and investigate more than 9,000 complaints annually, most of which are public nuisanceanimals.ThankstohighprofileanimalcrueltycaseslikeMichaelVickandTraversandTremayneJohnson, we have seen an increasing number of calls regarding suspected animal cruelty cases. If there is any good at all that has come out of these cases, its the fact that people are much more aware of the signs of animal abuse, and muchlesswillingtotolerateit. In addition to our investigation, we inspect and license about 150 animalrelated business each year, provide administrative support for the Animal Matters Hearing Board, and oversee a number of contracts relating to animals. We also investigate about 1,200 animal bite cases a year, and conduct six annual rabies vaccination clinics.Liketherestofourdepartments,westaybusy. I have been with the department since it first opened in 1996, and prior to that, served as an Animal Control Officerfor4years.IattendedMontgomeryCollegeandreceivedanAASAssociateofAppliedSciencedegreein Criminal Justice before beginning my career. When I was much younger, I aspired to be a veterinarian because of my love for animals. But, I married young and we soon began a family, and there just wasnt time and money for school.Thatsaid,IdolovemyjobandthepeoplewithwhomIwork. On the afternoon of August 23, 2012, we received a phone call on our nonemergency line, from an anonymous caller. The caller noted several concerns, namely about noises that were emanating from a neighbors home. Although the caller believed the noises to be associated with animals, our regular police officers were dispatched to check out the home. Once inside the residence, they found a number of dogs that appeared to be unwell, so theycalledmydepartment.TheEverettcommunitywasinmyterritorythatday,soIresponded. Unlike the cartoonish images that many have in their minds when thinking of oldtime animal catchers, ACOs are trained to act with caution, compassion, and commonsense. Ive responded to houses where a bunch of officers havetheplacesurroundedwithadogcoweringinthecorneroftheyard.Theywanttotranquilizetheanimal;and allIdoiswalk closerandcallgentlytothepoorthing,anditwalksovertomewaggingitstail.Honestly,thatsthe reason why we have specialized departments I wouldnt dare try to assert any authority where I dont possess theknowhow.Whenitinvolvesanimals,wegetcalledin,becauseweknowhowtorespondappropriately. One of the first things that tips us off sometimes well before we enter a residence is the smell that emanates from it. This was the case on this day. I dont mean an appalling smell its more an odor that you might smell when you take your pet to the Vet. Its a mix of animals, fear, medicine, pet waste, and cleaners, sort of all mixed together. I always refer to it as the sick smell, though that probably paints the wrong image. In any case, this househadthesicksmell. I was instructed by officers already on the scene to come around to the back of the house. Upon arriving, I was greeted by a beautiful Doberman. She was in a substantial kennel in the back yard, with fresh water, food, and a couple of toys. Part of the kennel was covered by a roof, so that she would be sheltered by inclement weather. Underthecoveredpartwasafleecepetbed.Shewasdefinitelyabarker,soatfirst,Iwasinclinedtothinkthiswas moreofanuisancecall. Ienteredthedwellingthroughthebasementdoor,andwasabittakenabackbywhatIsaw.Thebasement,which had a partially tiled floor, was home to two dogs both mixed pit bull breeds. The crates were small for the

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animals, and appeared to have not been cleaned for some time. Its difficult to say how long, however, because it lookedasthoughtheywerebothsufferingfromdiarrhea. The bottom of the cages, as well as the backsides of the pups themselves, were covered in feces. These two dogs were in pretty bad condition at first glance. They had deep puncture wounds on their snout which did not look to becleanedortreated.Understandably,theywereverywaryofus,andittooksometimetocoaxthemoutoftheir crates.Oneofthedogswaswhiningloudly,andshakingverybadly. Proppedupagainstthewallwereeightplywoodboardslayingonthefloor,eachmeasuringapproximately4by3. It looked to be something like a makeshiftenclosure, because each board contained latches. Im guessing it could probablybeputtogetherandtakenapartinamatterofminutes. Onthemainfloorofthehouse,wefoundfivemoredogs,allincratesthat,inmyopinion,weretoosmallfortheir sizes.Noneofthedogshadwaterorfoodintheircrates,buttherewerebowlsofwaterandfoodinvirtuallyevery room of the house. Two of the dogs crates had urine and feces in them. Three of the dogs crates were clean. Some of the dogs appeared a bit unkempt with some matting on their rear ends. None of the dogs on the main floor seemed to have serious health conditions, with the exception of one of the female dogs which had a large growth on her underside. They were uncharacteristically quiet, despite the fact that strangers were traipsing through their house. In fact, one of the animals the female with a large mass on her underside sat shaking in hercratewhilewecompletedtheinvestigation. In addition to the animals, I found a number of items that we usually associate with dogtraining. I noted two different vitamin supplements MuscleUp Powder and K9 Super Fuel commonly given to dogs that are receiving strengthtraining. I also took note of a surgical scrub wound cleanser, steroids, IVs and a number of pieces of equipment: harnesses, Velcro weights, and even a breeding stand. The items were located throughout the house, but primarily in the backyard. All of these items raise serious red flags for me as an Animal Control Officer,asmanyofthemarecommonlyusedbylesssophisticateddogfightingoperations. On the other hand, there are also telltale, hard to conceal, signs of dogfighting that were not evident during my investigation. We routinely see fight pits, where the actual fights occur. Often the pits are splattered with blood, andinsomeinstances,remainsoftheunfortunatevictims.Weseebreaksticksthatareusedtodisengageonedog from another. We often find wash basins so that respective owners can cleanse their dogs opponent to remove any poisonous or caustic substances prior to the match. As noted by police on the scene, the first floor was barely passablebecauseofboxeseverywhere.Inthebasement,however,therewasalarge,clearspaceinthemiddleof thebasementthatwaseasily15feetby15feet.Onecouldeasilyputtogetherthe4x3boardsinthatspace,and useitforadogfightingring. I would note that none of the items found, nor any of the items not found, are standalone proof of dogfighting. Rather,thetotalityofallparaphernaliaiswhatcreatesconsiderablesuspicion. Giventhefactthatatleastacoupleofthedogsseemedtobeinpoorhealthandunsavorylivingconditions,Ifeltit necessary to remove all of the dogs from the residence and have them examined by the county SPCA. This is awfully close to animal hoarding, as far as Im concerned. I learned a long time ago if my gut says to remove the animals,thenIhadbetterdoit,orrisklosingmanynightssleepovertheguiltandconcern.Manyoftheconditions that are prevalent among canines that live in this type of environment are as contagious as the common cold to humans, so we err on the side of caution. I conferred with the police officers who initially responded, and we agreedthattheywouldquestionHardingimmediately.

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ALEXVOGEL,WitnessfortheProsecution MynameisAlexVogel,andIliveat1640ElmPointLaneinMontgomeryCounty,Maryland,nextdoortoDanny Harding. I work at the delicatessen at Giant Grocers right in my neighborhood. Ive been there for more than fifteen years, and enjoy the short commute. If its a nice day, Ill sometimes walk to work. Its one of the reasonsIdecidedtomoveintomyneighborhoodnearlyfourteenyearsago. Our neighborhood is tight. It reminds me of the area where I grew up nice, brick, rowhomes, where front doors are always open, people sit on their front porches talking to neighbors, and folks are always looking out foroneanother.Itsalmostunheardofthesedays.WealsohaveaNeighborhoodWatchprogramitsnothing formal,butifsomethingorsomeoneissuspicious,weleteachotherknow. I figured Danny would fit right in to the neighborhood. It was a sad situation Mrs. Hardings passing so suddenly. I know it was devastating to Danny, and really, the whole neighborhood felt that way. Mrs. Harding was the eyes and ears of our street real nice, always doing nice things for others, and ready to gossip about the latest news. I basically watched Danny grow up. Though I was a little concerned that Danny might be too young to keep up the house the way Mrs. Harding wouldve liked, everything seemed okay in the beginning. Dannys nice enough, social at times, keeps the house and yard reasonably neat all of the things youd want inaneighbor. Up until the start of the new year, it was reasonably quiet over there, too. But, then the dogs arrived. Danny always had the Doberman a real sweet dog who doesnt do much more than wag her tail when she sees me. Shebarely barked, which iswhy I thoughtit odd that I kepthearing barkingcoming from Dannyshouse. Then, outofnowhereitseemed,Dannyhadabunchofdogslivingoverthere. On one occasion, Danny asked if I heard the dogs when s/hes out of the house. I was as diplomatic as I could be with my response, and said something like Ive gotten used to the noise. I mean, what am I supposed to sayIcanthearmyselfthinkbecausetheymakesucharacket?Icouldnteventellyouhowmanydogslive there.Theylookthesametome,exceptfortheircolor.Inthemorningsandontheweekends,IdseeDannyin the backyard with the dogs, shouting orders like a military commander. Thank goodness for the chainlinked fence, because some of them look ferocious. They dont bark much and if they do, Danny yells at them. But they are always fighting with one another, or have something clenched in their teeth that they are whipping aroundviolently.Theylookliketheywouldtearapartandeatanythingintheirway. On several occasions, I saw people entering Dannys home late in the eveninglike 10pm or so, just as I was getting home from work. I thought it odd that the guests would sometimes bring their dogs with them. The dogs looked like they were pulling hard on their leashes and wearing muzzles. I shouted over to say hello, but Danny just looked away and rushed inside. I thought it strange, too, that I was never invited. I mean, we are nextdoorneighbors. IhaveneverreportedDannytotheauthoritiesbecauseitsnotreallymybusinesswhatDannydoeswithinthe perimeterofthehome.Imafirmbelieverthatwhathappensinyourhomeshouldbeyourownbusiness.But the danger to the community posed by vicious attack dogs, well, thats another thing. Plus, the noise those cretinsmakewhenDannyisawayfromthehouseitsjustawful.Betweentheincessantbarkingandwhining, something had to change. The house on the other side of Danny is vacant; it was foreclosed on a couple of yearsago,soImprobablytheonlyoneaffectedbythenoise.

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AndthentherestherabbleofpeoplecomingandgoingfromDannyshomelateatnight.Theylovetoshowoff their bling and fancy cars but Im not jealous. One of Dannys night guests once doubleparked his BMW 5 series next to my 02 Honda Civic, so that I was completely blocked in. It sat there for hours. And then when I tried to have the guests car towed, Danny came out and bribed the tow truck driver with cash! Later he apologized to me and said, I make a lot of money off the guy who drives that car; I need him and his buddies tocomebackasmuchaspossible.Youknow,ABCPackagingdoesntcomeclosetocoveringallmybills. Sometimes, I think Danny doesnt have the time or the patience to keep up with all those dogs. I knocked on Dannys door once, and offered to take Bella or one of the other dogs off Dannys hands; Ive always liked the ideaofhavingapetandthinkIcouldprovideagoodhome.Theycertainlywouldntbestuckincagesforhours on end in my house. Danny got really defensive and said, They have a perfectly good home right here. Plus thesedogsaretoopreciousandtoovaluabletobecaredforbyastranger.Youwouldntknowwhattodowith them.Afewdayslater,thepolicecameandsavedthosedogs.

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DR.TYJOHNSON,WitnessfortheProsecution I have always aspired to be a veterinarian. I grew up on a farm in Texas, and was surrounded by cows, 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 mousecatchers. But, when they werent working, I was usually sneaking them into thehouse to sleep in my room or togive themdinner scraps. This infuriated mymother,and usuallynettedmeanextrahourofworkonthefarm,butitwasworthit. MostofthekidsIgrewupwithwounduptakingovertheirfamilysfarm.Itsjustwhateveryonedidinmytown. But,IknewIwouldgocrazyifIstayedthere.MuchasIlovedmyparentsandthefarmonwhichIgrewup,Iknew Ineededadifferentlife.Muchtothechagrinofmyparents,Ifinishedhighschool,andwasacceptedintomyfirst choice undergraduate program at Penn State. Four years later, and after receiving my BS in Veterinary Science, I was accepted into Cornell University which, I might add was just recognized as the nations top school for Veterinary Medicine. I thoroughly enjoyed my schooling, and received a firstclass education including paid work opportunities at local animal shelters and vet practices. After receiving my Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVM),IfollowedtheloveofmylifetoMaryland,becauses/hehadbeenofferedanexcellentjobopportunityin MontgomeryCounty.Therest,astheysay,ishistory.Iworkedforalocalvetpracticeuntil1999andthenopened my own practice with a former school colleague. MCSPCA calls upon me to provide probono medical service to itsrescues.Itypicallyvolunteerabout1012hoursoftimeeachmonth. At approximately 4:15pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012 a police officer and two Montgomery County Animal Control officers notified me that they were bringing in eight dogs. THE MCSPCA has an ad hoc agreement with the county to take dogs on a casebycase basis, when the county facility is at full capacity or lacks the expertise to address a complex case. Apparently, with eight dogs involved and many in need of treatment, the officers decidedtobringthedogstous. The eight dogs brought to us included seven pit bull mixed dogs and one Doberman. The officers informed me that they had not located any evidence the dogs were licensed or that they had their required rabies shots. A second records check performed by the officers confirmed that all dogs but the Doberman were unlicensed. Based on my immediate impression, six of the dogs appeared to be in some distress and in need of care, but noneofthedogsappearedtobeinanyimmediatedanger. Our team immediately began to triage the needs of the dogs. I assessed the dogs conditions with the help of another staff veterinarian, a veterinary assistant, and two technicians. The dogs were generally unkempt and unhealthy in appearance, except for the Doberman. Two of pit bull mixed dogs had bite marks on their faces, legs,andbodies,whichraisedsomeobviousconcernsandsomesuspicionsastohowthewoundswerereceived. I was able to determine from examination and standard diagnostic tests that two dogs had kennel cough, one had a urinary tract infection, another dog was suffering from a mammary gland tumor, and two dogs had skin infections. The same dogs that had skin infections were also suffering from diarrhea, which was likely caused from inadequate, or complete lack of medical treatment of the wounds causing the skin infections. We began treatment immediately for these conditions as they became known to us. For the dogs with bite wounds, we cleansed the injuries, and administered antibiotics. One dog, Mark, required suturing for one wound. The bite woundsthedogsdisplayedweremuchmoreseriousthanthosethatnormallyresultfromdogsatplay.Theyalso were more serious than the wounds a veterinarian would normally expect to see when dogs that are recently
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introduced, fight to establish dominance. Those wounds tend to be superficial, occurring as dogs grab at one another with their mouths without clamping down. When veterinarians see puncture wounds, that usually indicates that dogs have bitten fast and hard, clamping their jaw. Clamped jaws tend to indicate, in turn, a fight involvingseriousaggressionanddefense. In interacting with the dogs, the MCSPCA staff and I also noticed some behavioral issues. While the dogs were generally nonaggressive with the staff and allowed us to examine and treat them easily, the dogs showed signs ofaggressionwhenbroughtintocloseproximitytooneanother.TheDobermanwasanexception,howevershe is a very mildmannered dog, and seems to love the company of people and animals. The pit bullboxer was at theotherendofthespectrum;hewasextremelyaggressivewithourstaffandeasilyagitated.Unfortunately,our dedicated behavioralist has not assessed the dogs. She has been out on medical leave and we werent able to findsomeonewithhercredentialstosubstitute.However,veterinarianstakebasiccoursesinanimalbehavioras part of our training. All of the veterinarians in our facility can recognize and diagnose simple behaviorrelated issues. In my professional opinion, the dogs conditions and injuries were a result of animal neglect. Interestingly, more and more 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 hoarders justify their behavior with the thinking that no one else will care for the animals, and that, if they seek 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 in which 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. The more people talk about and recognize the signs and symptoms of animal abuse, the better for our four leggedfriends.Wehaveseenanincreasingnumberofanimalcrueltycasesinthenewsthatsgood,peopleare talking, observing, recognizing. However, these are the sensationalized cases. The case of a dog being violently killed is horrifying shocking but, the reality is, in animal hoarding cases, the suffering is endured by many animalsformonthsandmonthsonend. The Harding case is not nice and neat. There are characteristics that indicate abuse, neglect, hoarding, and criminal intent. Some of the conditions, injuries, and behaviors were suggestive of at least some of the dogs beingusedindogfights.Ibasedthisopiniononthebreedsofthedogs,thebitewoundsapparentonthreeofthe animals that were in various stages of healing, and the general neglect of at least six of the eight dogs. In addition,policeandanimalcontrolofficersinformedmeoftheitemstheyfoundinthehouseharnesses,ropes with metal coils, boards that could be latched together to form a dog fighting ring, Velcro weights, a breeding stand,chains,variousanimalsupplements,andvariousmedicalsupplies.Theseitemsarecommonindogfighting cases. Thefactis,six,possiblyseven,ofHardingseightdogswerelivinginsubstandardconditions.Itwasonlyamatter oftimebeforesomethingfarmoreserioushappenedtooneormoreofthem.Fortunatelyforthepups,someone recognizedthesignsandmadetheappropriatecall,ratherthanturningtheirbackonthesituation.

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DANNYHARDING,Defendant My name is Danny Harding. I am 21 years old. I reside at 1642 Elm Point Lane in Montgomery County, Maryland. For the past 2 and a half years, I have worked for ABC Packaging; a job I never anticipated as my career, but am very proudtohavenonetheless. My childhood was fairly normal. I was raised by my stayathome mother in a middleclass household. We had one dog,aDobermannamedBella,whowehavealwaysregardedasamemberofthefamily.Igotherformy11thbirthday she is the best present I have ever gotten. My father, who became very ill and passed away when I was 12, had owned a gym and worked as a personal trainer. Growing up, I idolized my father and wanted to follow in his footsteps.Myaspirationstobeapersonaltrainerandownafitnesscentercameaboutsoonafterhedied. Upuntilaboutayearago,Iwaswellonthepathtoachievingthesegoals.Ididwellinhighschool,excelledinsports, wasblessedwithmanyfriends,andhadamotherwhoprovidedeverythingthatshecouldforme.Ihavealwaysbeen appreciativeofthethingsIwasgivenandmadeaconsciouseffortnottotakeanythingforgranted.Afterhighschool, Irentedanapartment,tooksomecollegecoursestowardapersonaltrainercertification,andlandedajobatABC.Life wasgood. Everything changed when my mother was killed in a car accident, during the summer of 2011. One of the hardest things I ever had to do was sort through what she left behind. Going through her personal belongings was excruciating. I was very depressed. I learned that she didnt part with anything of my fathers. It was clear she still loved him, even after all these years. I decided to move back to my moms house my childhood home after she passed. In an attempt to hold onto the memories of better days, I found it impossible to throw away anything that remindedmeofthosetimes,includingmyparentsbelongings,newspapers,andthelike.Ihadthebestofintentions I boxed up a lot of things, and planned to put them in storage. But, I just couldnt seem to do it the boxes are still everywherethroughoutmyhouse.Myfriendsandcolleaguestriedtosupportmethroughthattime,buttheonlyone whocouldmakemefeelbetterwasBella.Shewasmysalvation. Despite the fact that she is getting up in age, Bella and I frequently go for walks or runs. Shes always by my side. Duringthelasteightmonthsorso,Ibecameabitofafosterhomefordogs.Itwasntreallyintentionalatfirst;infact, it happened a bit by accident. A friend of mine was moving, and couldnt take her two pit bulls, Sashi and Sybil, with her. I agreed to adopt them, because I know what happens to a large majority of the pit bulls that go into a shelter. My friendhaddevelopeda fitness routine with thedogs, and asked that I keepup on it. Shegave me the regimen, as wellasmostofherdogtrainingequipment:harnesses,Velcroweightsandafewotheritems. People would see me walking the dogs, and training them in the backyard. It was a conversation starter, especially when I was with several of the pit bulls and Bella. A couple of months after I took in my friends pit bulls, a neighbor approachedmewithTheo,hispitbullboxer.Hewasimpressedwithmydogtrainingroutine,andaskedmetowork withhisdog,too.BeforeIknewit,Theowasalsolivingwithme,andhisownerhadmovedwithouttellingme. By midsummer, I had four more dogs in my care all pit bulls or pit bull mixes. A couple of them came to me pretty batteredwhethertheywerestreetdogsorsomeoneelsesthrowawaystheyjustsortofshowedupatmyhouse. Itwaschaosatfirst,Illadmitit.And,expensive.ButIfeltlike,forthefirsttimeinalongtime,Ihadsomedirection,or purpose, in life . A couple of the dogs had a tough time socializing with one another; some were aggressive, some weretimidandsubmissive.IdecidedtobegintrainingthedogsIrescued.Ifigured,ifItrainthem,whynotdosowith thepurposeofcompetingthem.Aftersomeresearch,IsettledontheLUGNUTSStrongDogcontest,whichisbasically aweightpulling/strengthcompetition.If,afterconsistenttraining,oneormoreofthedogsappearednottobeofthe caliber of LUGNUTS, then I would place them with other families, who would love and care for them in the way they deserve.Thatgoalcametoascreechinghaltwhenmydogsweretakenawayfromme.
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I trained the dogs utilizing a rigorous workout routine. I spent most of each morning before I went to work outside with my dogs sometimes they would be outside together, and sometimes I would work with them in rotation. My dogs were my athletes, and I trained them like a loving coach would, which is why I bought numerous dog supplements and training equipment. Because of my work schedule, they spent eight to nine hours each day in kennels. Pit bull mixes need a lot of exercise to be happy, healthy, and to alleviate aggression, sotheworkoutroutinewasonewayIcouldensuretheyweregettingenoughphysicalactivity. Mynewestrescuesalwaysstartinthebasement,sothatanyinfectionorillnesshasalesserchanceofspreading to my other dogs. In fact, I had to move Cole and Sunny upstairs a little sooner than Ihad hoped, because I took inmytwomostrecentrescuessoonafterColeandSunny.IthoughtitapropostonamethemScarandMark, because they came to me in pretty bad shape; in fact, each had a fair number of wounds and scars that I assumed resulted from life on the streets. I made sure to cleanse them so that they would heal properly, but theystillhavealotofscars.Ikepttheminthebasement,becauseIhavenotyethadachancetogetthemtothe veterinarian. Ive done quite a bit of research on providing medical care and conditioning for animals at home. Thatcomeswiththeterritoryofdogtraining.Ihavetothinkthat,whiletheyrenotlivinginthemostluxuriousof conditions, theyre far better off with me than from where they came. Scar and Mark are in much better shape nowthenwhentheycametomeafewweeksago. ThepolicequestionedmeaboutabunchofthingsthesizeofthecratesIwasusing,theequipmenttheyfound, the vitamin supplements, even the plywood in the basement. I have learned to use what is readily available to me I had a couple of crates from when Bella was younger, and Ivehad a couplegiven to me. I bought the rest at yard sales and thrift stores to keep my costs as low as I can. I realize theyre not the perfect size, but they provideadequate,safespaceforthedogstosleepwhileIamoutofthehouse.Iwouldntdareleavethemoutof thecrateswhenIamnothome,asacoupleofthemdonotgetalongthatwell;andfrankly,fromexperience,Ive learned that theyll tear the house up if theyre not crated. As far as the equipment goes some of it was purchased secondhand, and some was given to me, with the exception of the supplements and medical equipment. Ionlybuydietaryandmedicalsuppliesfromreputablecompanies.And,asfarastheplywoodboardsgo,myDad originallybuiltthattoserveasababygateofsortsforBella,whenshewasapuppy.Itgavehermoreroomthan acrate,especiallyasshegrew,butstillkeptherconfinedandsafewhenwewerenthome.Theboardsstillserve their purpose, and Ive continued to use them. Im not going to apologize for that, just because its not the prettiestsetup. Because the animals that I took in had no known medical history, I did not want to have rabies and other vaccines administered for fear of overvaccination. I always take my dogs for wellness checks, and planned to havetheirmedicalconditionsassessedatthattime.Ofcourse,lifegetsbusy,andIhavenottakenthefourmost recentrescues.But,myVetknowsme,andmanyofmydogs,andknowsthatIcareabouttheirwellbeing. I know mydogs behave well when Im nothome. Ihave asked my neighbors from time to timeto let me know if they ever hear excess barking or noise, because I do not want to be a nuisance here in the neighborhood. Every timeIhaveeverasked,theyhavesaidtheyrarelyhearanything.Thedogsmaybarkorwhimperonceinawhile, due to anxiety, because they dont like being alone. They thoroughly enjoy being around people whom they trust. I have friends over on occasion; in the beginning, a couple of my new adoptions were very skittish around them. But, as they became familiar with my friends, the pups were happy to see them wagging their tails, and giving plenty of licks. Well play poker or rummy, sit around talking, and let the pups wrestle around witheachotherandus,whichtheylove.Itstheirplaytime,andIguess,youcouldsayoursaswell.I completely resentthefactthattheyaretryingtomakeacriminalcaseoutofasocialhour.

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DR.TAYLORMARTIN,WitnessfortheDefense MynameisDr.TaylorMartin.IamalicensedveterinarianwithWhiskersAnimalHospitalinRockville,Maryland. I am boardcertified in internal medicine. I am 34 years old. I am married and live at 367 Olive Lane in Silver Spring. I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the VirginiaMaryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. I completed my internal medicine residency at the University of Pennsylvania Ryan Veterinary Hospital. Ive workedatWhiskersforfouryears. Our hospital and kennel are staffed by a team of veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and technicians. Many of our veterinarians have specialized training. We pride ourselves on being a regional and national leader in veterinary medicine and animal care. We provide stateoftheart diagnosis and treatment, and we work as advocatesforanimalprotection.Weofferemergencyservicestwentyfourhoursaday,sevendaysaweek.We have full diagnostic services on site, and in addition to veterinary medical care, we offer a range of behavioral services.Weareconsideredaboutiquepracticeamongprivatefacilities. Because my caseload is high, I had to consult our records at Whiskers in order to remember Danny Harding. Dannys Doberman, Bella, has been a patient of ours since she was a puppy. In addition to Bella, Danny has brought in three other dogsall pit bull mixes. We have records for the following dogs owned by Danny: Sashi, Theo,Sybil,andBella.IrecallaconversationthatwehadduringDannysmostrecentvisitabouttherescuesthat s/he takes in. As a matter of procedure, we talk with our patients owners and advise them on proper care for informal adoptions or rescues. Danny specifically thanked me for the information, and said that s/he was training the dogs for the LUGNUTS StrongDog Contest to prove that someone elses throwaways could be champions,too. Danny brought the pit bulls to our hospital for relatively minor injuries and illnesses over a period of several monthsthe first in February and the most recent in May. Danny explained that the dogs were rescues. Id consider them adoptions, however, since Danny knew the previous owners. The dogs were well behaved with our staff. While they displayed some symptoms of aggression towards other dogs when brought into close proximity with them, this is not unusual when a group of dogs are suddenly forced to share the same space or home. Our facility did not administer rabies shots, a necessary step in licensing dogs, since Danny informed us that the shots had been administered previously and the records would be forwarded. Whiskers never received any records; however, this would have been pursued on or about the anniversary of the each dogs initial visits. It is ourpracticetosendreminderstoourpatientsownersregardingvaccinationsandsuch. Accordingtoourmedicalrecords,TheowasbroughttoourofficeinFebruaryandtreatedforkennelcoughanda skininfectiontwoverycommonillnessesamongdogs.WhenTheowasbroughtinacouplemonthslater,itwas forbitewounds.Thewoundswerentlifethreatening,buttheywereindicativeofadogfight.Mynotesindicate thatIquestionedDannyabouttheoriginofthewounds,asveterinariansaretrainedtodo.Dannyexplainedthat the dog was in a multianimal home, and that one of the other recent rescue dogs was not socializing well. The dogshadgotteninafight. Danny seemed to be overextended with so many dogs in the house, and I recommended that some of the

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adoptionsberelinquishedtoarespectablenokillshelter.IalsorecommendedthatDannytakeinfewerdogs in the future, to which Danny seemed taken aback, offended even. Rehabilitating that many animals requires experience, knowledge, time, patience, and serious resources. Many people dont understand the time and financial commitment. Dannys heart seemed to be in the right place, but Iwasnt sure s/he could givetheanimalsthecaretheyneeded. ThatwasthelastmedicalvisitDannymadetoWhiskers. Ivereviewedtheevidencecollectedinthiscasebypolice,whichincludedharnesses,ropeswithmetalcoils, Velcro weights, a breeding stand, chains, and plyboards, as well as Muscle Up Powder and K9 Super Fuel animal supplements, Betadine Surgical Scrub wound cleanser, steroids labeled for dog use, and IVs. It ismyprofessionalopinionthattheseitemscouldallreasonablybepossessedbysomeonewhoisengagedin dog training This is especially true if that person was inclined by either nature or necessity to administer basicmedicalattentiontotheanimalsathome. IdontknowDannyscircumstances,butitcanbequiteexpensivetocareforpets.Itisevenmoreexpensive to care for rescue animals. The bills for recue dogs could total several thousand dollars in any given year. I also fear that my suggestion to give up some animals may have scared Danny from returning to Whiskers or any other facility. Danny may have believed that some of the dogs were in danger of being taken away if I, oranotherveterinarian,believedtheanimalswereneglected. I donotbelieve, based on my professionalexperience, that Danny wasengaged indog fighting. The injuries and illnesses I treated in Dannys dogs were as common as the cold virus in humans. Dogfighting yields horribleinjurieseventothesupposedwinner.ThesearenotthetypesofinjuriesthatDannysdogshad. The only time I was really concerned was with the bite wound, but the explanation that Danny offered was completelyplausible. As an experienced vet, there are certain red flags that go up if an animal owner is not acting in the best interest of a pet. If there is ever concern, we document it in the medical files so that we can monitor it, and follow up as necessary. I dont want to sound callus, but I really believe we are overly sensitized to pit bulls and dog fighting rings. Pit bulls are stereotyped as these ferocious, aggressive beasts, when in reality, they make some of the best family pets out there. As a medical professional, I cant jump to the conclusion that everypitbullsufferingabitehasbeeninanorganizedfightring.Frankly,Iwouldthinkindividualsengagedin dog fighting wouldnt bother bringing in an injured animal. In this case, I believe Danny is being wrongfully accusedbasedonnothingmorethanmisguidedpresumption.

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SAMSHELTON,WitnessfortheDefense My name is Sam Shelton. Im a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service. Im the person who delivers your mail everyday if you live on my route. Im 53 years old, and I live at 21 Argonne Court, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Ive been delivering mail for more than thirty years. For the last twelve years, Ive delivered mail in Danny Hardings neighborhood in Everett on various routes. The last five years have included daily mail delivery to Dannysaddress. Mail delivery has become an increasingly sophisticated operation over the years. As the post office has become more and more efficient at sorting and delivering mail, rival companies and electronic communication have greatly decreased the amount of business the ordinary person conducts with the post office. I dont know what will happen to the postal service as traditional paper documents become obsolete, but I still try to learn the names of thepeople on myroute andto deliver their mail with a cheerful greetingand wave. Thats how I know Danny. BecauseDannyoftenworksalateshift,Iveseen(him/her)onmanyoccasions.Dannyalwaystakesamomentto say hello, and sometimes we chat for a bit but never too long, because Im on the job. Danny always has a welcomingsmile. Ive also seen Danny out with the pups on countless occasions. Theyre usually around back as I come down the block,soIcanseethemabitfromanangle.Icantsaywithcertaintywhathesdoingwiththem,butheseemsto be training them, from the whistles and commands that I hear. On occasion, Ill see Danny walking or running through the neighborhood with the Doberman. They make quite the pair. Sometimes Danny will come around fronttogreetmeandgetthemail,accompaniedbyadogortwo.IveevenseenDannyinthefrontyard,working with the dogs. They are always wellbehaved, and completely in his command. I believe the majority of our conversations have been about the dogs. Danny is really enthusiastic about the training, and has mentioned his hopeofcompetingtheminaweightpullingcontest. It may sound clich to talk about dogs biting the mail carrier, but I can assure you this is a real problem for the USPS.Theresjustsomethingaboutuniformsthatcertaindogsdonotlike.I,myself,havebeenbittenahandfulof time,butneverseriously.Ownersalmostneverexpectitorbelievetheirdogsarecapableofit.Peoplejustdont understandhowtheirdogsfeelaboutstrangersenteringtheirterritory;dogsoftenrespondtothatasthoughits a threat. Even the littlest dog can go nuts, yapping and growling as it defends its space, its people, or itself from theperceivedencroachment. For as fierce as Dannys dogs look, Ive never experienced any such problem. They have never been loose or unsupervised,and that said, Idnever wantthem tobe. They are generally wellbehaved, andcertainly nonehas ever bitten me or seriously threatened me. If ever Dannys dogs have seemed aggressive, growling or posturing, Danny has immediately disciplined the dog, sometimes removing it from my presence. Danny always disciplines the dogs with an air of calm authority. I get the sense that Danny really cares for the animals and knows how to handlethem. As a postal worker, you learn quickly not to pet strangers dogs. I dont know that I have ever even tried to pet

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Dannys dogs, but Ive allowed them to approach and sniff my hand. I dont recognize the pups by sight, except the Doberman, Bella. Shes a neighborhood fixture been there as long as I can remember. At one time, there was a Shepard who lived there, and Ive seen any number of pit bulls; at least, they look like pit bulls. Danny seems to have so many dogs, and they seem to change pretty quickly over time. I sort of assumed that Danny trains them and cares for them temporarily, but doesnt really own them all. But Danny and I have never talked aboutthatexplicitly. Ive never seen Danny abuse the dogs. Some of them have had minor injuries, and more than one have had bad hair days. But more often than not, Id see what I believed was the same dog a short time later looking right as rain. Again, I assumed from what I observed over time and from my scant discussions with Danny on the topic that this was part of Dannys cycle with the dogs training dogs and getting them healthy. I never asked about the dogs backgrounds or seriously considered where they may have come from. There are enough morbid commercialsontelevision,andIseeenoughstrays,toknowthattherearemanyanimalsinneedofgoodhomes. IdontrecallthedateofThursday,August23,2012specifically.Therewasnothingremarkableaboutthedateto set it apart in my mind, and I didnt make any notations in my calendar or on my timesheet at work. If Dannys dogswerewhimperingormakinganysortofracketorfuss,IdidntnoticeasIdeliveredmailtoDannysaddress. In fact, only rarely have I ever heard or witnessed any commotion at all from that house, which is pretty remarkablegiventhenumberofdogsthatlivethere.

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Thefollowingisa311transcriptfrom08/23/12inregardtocarefile#12018924.Thisisbeingtranscribedinto typewrittenformbyR.Reynoldson08/27/12.Timestamp:2:05:22pm2:07:09 Dispatch:311 A: Um,ImnotsureexactlywhatIshouldreporthere,butIam,um,worriedaboutsomenoisesIam,um,hearing nextdoor. Dispatch:Whatareyouhearing? A: Um,itssortof,itslikeanimalnoises.Whiningwhimperingbutitjustkeepsgoing.Ithasntstoppedfor hours.Iknowtheguyhasalotofdogs. Dispatch:Whatistheaddress? A: Idontwanttogivemyaddress.I,um,wantthistobeanonymous. Dispatch:No,whatistheaddressofthehousewherethesoundsare? A: Oh,oh.Um,its1642ElmPointLane.InEverett. Dispatch:Andyouwishtoremainanonymous? A: Yes,please.Yes.Hesaniceenoughguy,Iguess,butIdontwanttocauseproblems.Ijustwanttomakesure nothingishurtoverthere.Thewhiningisawful.Itskillingmetohearit. Dispatch:Howlonghasitbeengoingon? A: Imean,itskindofhardtosay.Ialwayshearbarking.Butthewhining,um,Iwouldsayprobablyatleasta coupleofdays.Maybelonger.Butitisgettingworse.Itwasrealbadlastnight. Dispatch:Yousayyouthinkhehasalotofdogs?Doyouknowhowmany? A:Idont.Itseemsliketherearenewdogsoverthereallthetime.Hekeepsthemprettyquiet.Atnight,theres sometimessomeraucous,butIhearmorepeoplethanIdodogs.IassumehehastheTVuploud.Idont know.HedoeshaveonedogaDobermanthathekeepsoutside.Itsarealnicedog. Dispatch:DoestheDobermanlooklikehesbeingcaredfor?Youknowfed?Cleanedupafter? A: Yeah,yes.Imean,Iguess.Helooksactually,Ithinkitsashe,shelookslikesheishealthy.Idontlikewhen peopleleavetheirdogsoutsideallthetime,butIguessthatsjustpersonalchoice. Dispatch:OK.Ihavedispatchedapoliceofficertocheckoutthesituation.Isanyonehomeattheresidence? A: No.ImadesurehewasgonebeforeIcalled.Itsjustoneguywholivesthere,andIthinkhesatwork. Dispatch:Isthereanythingelseweshouldknow? A: Um,no,Idontthinkso.LikeIsaid,Ijustwanttomakesuretheanimalsareallright.Idontknowifhetrains animalsorwhattheresstuffinhisyard.Youknow,chainsandharnessesandstuff.Hesometimesletsthe otherdogsoutintheyardtheylooktomelikepitbulls.Heputsthemonthechainsagain,notsomethingI liketosee,butIcantreallycomplain,becausetheyareprettyquiet. Dispatch:Ok.Anythingelse? A: No,no.Thatsit.Thankyou.Yousaidsomeonescomingoutnow? Dispatch:Yes. A: OK.Thanksagain. Endof311transcript.

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ComplaintReport
ACOFFICER:Graham,L.#3257 DATE:08/23/12 TIMEOFARRIVAL:3:30pm

A
FOROFFICEUSEONLY: COMPLAINT#81296

MCPD
NIMAL CONTROL

ADDRESSOFINVESTIGATION:1642ElmPointLane NAMEOFANIMALOWNER:DannyHarding Phone:4435552599 AltPhone:n/a

CITY,ZIP:Everett,MD20853

Email:n/a CityandZip:unknown

REPORTINGPARTY:Anonymouscallat2:05pm ADDRESS:unknown Phone:unknown DESCRIPTIONOFINCIDENT(S): Email:unknown

ACUnitreceivedacallfromMCPDregardingdogsataboveaddress.Officersinitiallyreportedevidenceofinjury andneglect,possibleabuse,andinadequateshelterofmultipledogs.Uponarrival,Ifound7pitbulltypedogsin cratesthroughoutfirstfloorandbasementofresidence.Therewasoneadditionaldog,aDoberman,outsidein thebackyard,housedinalargekennel. Equipmenttypicallyassociatedwithdogfighttrainingwasfoundinhouseandbackyard. EachoftheeightdogswasseizedandtakentotheMontgomeryCountySPCAforexaminationbyaveterinarian. DescriptionofAnimalsSeized? N 1) Pitbulladult(M) Y 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) RelatedItems 1)Ropesw/metalcoils 2)Velcroweights Y N Pitbulladult(M) 3) Harnesses Y N Pitbulladult(M) 4)Breedingstand Y N Pitbulladult(M) 5)Chains Y 6)MuscleUpPowder Pitbulladult(F) N 7)K9SuperFuel Y N Pitbulladult(F) 8)BetadineSurgicalScrubCleanser Y N Pitbulladult(F) 9)Steroids Y N Dobermanadult(F) 10)IVs 11)8plywoodboardswithlatches (4x3insize) Arephotographsavailable? Y N IfYES,pleaseattachandlabel. Includedescriptionbelow.

Please see Attachment 1 for photos.

PHOTODESCRIPTIONS:

A:PhotoofDoberman(Dog#8)housedinoutsidekennel B:Photoofpitbull,male,(Dog#1);woundsonsnout,earandjaw.Severeskininfectionvisible. C:Photoofpitbullboxer,male,(Dog#3) D:Photooftwoofthebasementcrateswherepitbullswerekept;nowaterorfoodcontainedwithin E:Photoofpitbull,male,(Dog#2);skininfection,wounds(someveryrecent)veryevident F:Photoofpitbull,female,(Dog#6);scarsvisibleonsnout G:Photoofpitbull,female(Dog#5);shehadalargegrowthonherbelly.Mammaryglandtumorvisible. Photosnotavailablefordogs#4and#7.

31

AC Complaint Form, Attachment 1 Complaint #812-96 Date: 8-23-2012

A

Mark, 8-23-12
Bella, 8-23-12

Theo, 8-23-12

Scar, 8-23-12 G Sybil, 8-23-12

Sashi, 8-23-12

32


MEDICALEVALUATIONOFNEGLECT/ABUSE MedicalHistory:Unavailable IdentifyingCharacteristics:Pitbullbreed,tanincolor Male Female

ANIMAL CONTROL
ID#:1082312 Name:Mark Morethanaverage Normal Abnormal

MCPD

EXAM Behavior[Assessstrength,activityandinteractionwithpeopleandanimals] Lessthanaverage Average Strength ActivityLevel InteractionwithPeople InteractionwithAnimals Normal Abnormal Hydration Abdomen Pain Mouth LymphNodes Eyes Ears Nose Heart Lungs MuscSkel Neurol BodyCondition Ideal
[IDEALBODYWEIGHT=IBW] Underweight=Lessthan10%IBW Thin=1015%underIBW VeryUnderweight;1620%underIBW

Weight: 52.3lbs

Underweight/Lean Thin VeryUnderweight Emaciated

RecordAbnormalFindingsBelow Generalhealthandappearancewaspooruponarrival.Markwassufferingfrommoderatediarrheaanddehydration, likelycausedbyPyoderma.Duetodehydration,Marksgumsweretackyanddrywithdisplayedprolongedcapillaryrefill time.Bilateralenophthalmoswasevident. HehadmoderatePyoderma,likelyresultingfrombitewoundsaroundthesnoutandjawline.Woundslooktohavebeen contractedinrecentweeks,possiblydays. Beginningstagesofbordetellabronchisepticaevident. Assessment:Conditionstreatable;carefulmonitoringnecessary.Respondedwelltofluidsandantibiotics. Plan:PCVandTPPadministered;urinalysis(UA)andfecaladministered. Administered? Yes CBC/Chem UA Fecal DogTiter Microchip
1 2 4

No
3

VaccinesAdministered? Rabies CPV CDV CAV

Yes

No

CONDITIONOFHAIRCOATANDNAILS Adequate Lapsed Borderline Poor Terrible Comments:#1/2ModeratePyodermapresent;#3/4matting presentonthedogsbackside

PartsexcerptedfromTheAmericanSocietyforPreventionofCrueltytoAnimals,Inc.

33


MEDICALEVALUATIONOFNEGLECT/ABUSE MedicalHistory:Unavailable IdentifyingCharacteristics:Pitbullbreed,blackincolor Male Female

ANIMAL CONTROL
ID#:2082312 Name:Scar Morethanaverage Normal Abnormal

MCPD

EXAM Behavior[Assessstrength,activityandinteractionwithpeopleandanimals] Lessthanaverage Average Strength ActivityLevel InteractionwithPeople InteractionwithAnimals Normal Abnormal Hydration Abdomen Pain Mouth LymphNodes Eyes Ears Nose Heart Lungs MuscSkel Neurol BodyCondition Ideal
[IDEALBODYWEIGHT=IBW] Underweight=Lessthan10%IBW Thin=1015%underIBW VeryUnderweight=1620%underIBW Emaciated=Greaterthan20%underIBW

Weight: 61lbs

Underweight/Lean Thin VeryUnderweight Emaciated

RecordAbnormalFindingsBelow Generalhealthandappearancewaspooruponarrival.Scarwassufferingfromdiarrheaanddehydration,likelyresulting fromPyoderma.Duetodehydration,Scarsgumsweretackyanddrywithdisplayedprolongedcapillaryrefilltime. Bilateralenophthalmoswasevident. HehadaggravatedPyoderma,resultingfromvariouswoundsthathavenothealedproperly.Lymphadenitiswasalso present,likelyresultingfromPyoderma.Swollenlymphnodeswerefeltalongsubmandibularareabeneaththejawandin thepoplitealarea. Beginningstagesofbordetellabronchisepticaevident. Assessment:Conditionstreatable;carefulmonitoringnecessary.Respondedslowlybutpositivelytofluidsandantibiotics. Plan:PCVandTPPadministered;urinalysis(UA)andfecaladministered. Administered? Yes CBC/Chem UA Fecal DogTiter Microchip
1 2

No
3

VaccinesAdministered? Yes No Rabies CPV CDV CAV CONDITIONOFHAIRCOATANDNAILS Adequate Lapsed Borderlinefecalandurinesoilinghavecausedmattingin rear;someclippingnecessary Poor Terrible Comments:#1/2Pyroderma;#3Lymphadenitis;#4mattingof hair 4

PartsexcerptedfromTheAmericanSocietyforPreventionofCrueltytoAnimals,Inc.

34

MEDICALEVALUATIONOFNEGLECT/ABUSE MedicalHistory:Unavailable

ANIMAL CONTROL

MCPD

ID#:3082312 IdentifyingCharacteristics:Pitbullboxermixbreed,tan,white Name: Theo Male Female andblackincolor EXAM Behavior[Assessstrength,activityandinteractionwithpeopleandanimals] Lessthanaverage Average Morethanaverage Strength ActivityLevel InteractionwithPeople InteractionwithAnimals Normal Abnormal Normal Abnormal Hydration Abdomen Pain Mouth LymphNodes Eyes Ears Nose Heart Lungs MuscSkel Neurol BodyCondition Ideal
[IDEALBODYWEIGHT=IBW] Underweight=Lessthan10%IBW Thin=1015%underIBW VeryUnderweight=1620%underIBW Emaciated=Greaterthan20%underIBW

Weight: 67lbs

Underweight/Lean Thin VeryUnderweight Emaciated

RecordAbnormalFindingsBelow Theowassufferingfrommildurinarytractinfectionandslightdehydration.Theohadanumberofoldscarsfrom unidentifiablesources;thescarslookedtobeatleast34monthsold. Assessment:Conditionstreatable;ongoingmonitoringnecessary. Plan:PCVandTPPadministered;urinalysis(UA)andfecaladministered. Administered? Yes CBC/Chem UA Fecal DogTiter Microchip
1 2 4

No
3

VaccinesAdministered? Rabies CPV CDV CAV

Yes

No

CONDITIONOFHAIRCOATANDNAILS Adequate LapsedNailsneedtrimming,alteringnormalgait Borderline Poor Terrible Comments:#3/4Scarspresentonchest,snoutandneck. Patchesofhairmissingonsnoutwhichareindicativeof previousskininfections.

PartsexcerptedfromTheAmericanSocietyforPreventionofCrueltytoAnimals,Inc.

35

MEDICALEVALUATIONOFNEGLECT/ABUSE MedicalHistory:Unavailable IdentifyingCharacteristics:Pitbullboxermixbreed,tanincolor Male Female

ANIMAL CONTROL
ID#:4082312 Name:Cole Morethanaverage Normal Abnormal

MCPD

EXAM Behavior[Assessstrength,activityandinteractionwithpeopleandanimals] Lessthanaverage Average Strength ActivityLevel InteractionwithPeople InteractionwithAnimals Normal Abnormal Hydration Abdomen Pain Mouth LymphNodes Eyes Ears Nose Heart Lungs MuscSkel Neurol BodyCondition Ideal
[IDEALBODYWEIGHT=IBW] Underweight=Lessthan10%IBW Thin=1015%underIBW VeryUnderweight=1620%underIBW Emaciated=Greaterthan20%underIBW

Weight: 59lbs

Underweight/Lean Thin VeryUnderweight Emaciated

RecordAbnormalFindingsBelow Colesgeneralappearancewasfaironarrival,thoughsufferingfrommilddehydration. Colewasmarkedlyaggressivewithstaff;hewasplacedinisolationbecausehewasextremelyaggressivewhilein proximitywithotherdogs.Snarling,growlingandexcessivebarkinghasbeenobservedconsistentlywithCole.Hewas givenamildtranquilizerinpreparationforhismedicalexamination,anddidnotappeartobeinpainormalnourished twocommoncausesofaggressionindogs. Assessment:Conditionstreatable;ongoingmonitoringnecessary. Plan:PCVandTPPadministered;urinalysis(UA)andfecaladministered. Administered? Yes CBC/Chem UA Fecal DogTiter Microchip
1 2 4

No
3

VaccinesAdministered? Rabies CPV CDV CAV

Yes

No

CONDITIONOFHAIRCOATANDNAILS Adequate LapsedNailsarebeginningtointerferewithnormalgait Borderline Poor Terrible Comments:

PartsexcerptedfromTheAmericanSocietyforPreventionofCrueltytoAnimals,Inc.

36

MEDICALEVALUATIONOFNEGLECT/ABUSE MedicalHistory:Unavailable IdentifyingCharacteristics:Pitbullbreed,whiteandtan Male Female

ANIMAL CONTROL
ID#:5082312 Name:Sybil Morethanaverage Normal Abnormal

MCPD

EXAM Behavior[Assessstrength,activityandinteractionwithpeopleandanimals] Lessthanaverage Average Strength ActivityLevel InteractionwithPeople InteractionwithAnimals Normal Abnormal Hydration Abdomen Pain Mouth LymphNodes Eyes Ears Nose Heart Lungs MuscSkel Neurol BodyCondition Ideal
[IDEALBODYWEIGHT=IBW] Underweight=Lessthan10%IBW Thin=1015%underIBW VeryUnderweight=1620%underIBW Emaciated=Greaterthan20%underIBW

Weight: 51lbs

Underweight/Lean Thin VeryUnderweight Emaciated

RecordAbnormalFindingsBelow Sybilhasalargemammaryglandtumor.Thepelviclymphnodesnearestthetumorwereswollen,whichmayindicatethat thetumorismalignant,andthatthecancerhasmetastasized.AbiopsyofthetumorwastakenduringSybilsinitialcheck up.Testswilllikelyconfirmthattumorismalignantgiventhesizeofthegrowth. Regardlessofwhetherthetumorismalignant,itwillneedtoberemoved.Chemoand/orradiationmayfollow. Assessment:Conditionstreatable;ongoingmonitoringnecessary. Plan:PCVandTPPadministered;urinalysis(UA)andfecaladministered. Administered? Yes CBC/Chem UA Fecal DogTiter Microchip
1 2 4

No
3

VaccinesAdministered? Rabies CPV CDV CAV

Yes

No

CONDITIONOFHAIRCOATANDNAILS Adequate Lapsedareaaroundmammaryglandtumorisswollenand painfultothetouch;somepatchesofskinexposedwherehair hasfallenout Borderlinenaillengthinterferingwithnormalgait Poor Terrible Comments:

PartsexcerptedfromTheAmericanSocietyforPreventionofCrueltytoAnimals,Inc.

37

MEDICALEVALUATIONOFNEGLECT/ABUSE MedicalHistory:Unavailable IdentifyingCharacteristics:Pitbullbreed,lighttanincolor Male Female

ANIMAL CONTROL
ID#:6082312 Name:Sashi Morethanaverage Normal Abnormal

MCPD

EXAM Behavior[Assessstrength,activityandinteractionwithpeopleandanimals] Lessthanaverage Average Strength ActivityLevel InteractionwithPeople InteractionwithAnimals Normal Abnormal Hydration Abdomen Pain Mouth LymphNodes Eyes Ears Nose Heart Lungs MuscSkel Neurol BodyCondition Ideal
[IDEALBODYWEIGHT=IBW] Underweight=Lessthan10%IBW Thin=1015%underIBW VeryUnderweight=1620%underIBW Emaciated=Greaterthan20%underIBW

Weight: 68lbs

Underweight/Lean Thin VeryUnderweight Emaciated

RecordAbnormalFindingsBelow Concernsnotedoverscabbingandscarringonsnout;bothappeartobemoderatelydeepbitewoundsacquiredwithin approximately3weeks.Nowoundsorscarsappearonanyotherpartsofbody.Noinfectiondetected. Assessment:Willcontinuetomonitorovernext48hours. Plan:PCVandTPPadministered;urinalysis(UA)andfecaladministered. Administered? Yes CBC/Chem UA Fecal DogTiter Microchip
1 2

No
3

VaccinesAdministered? Yes No Rabies CPV CDV CAV CONDITIONOFHAIRCOATANDNAILS Adequate Lapsed Borderline Poor Terrible Comments:Haircoatandnailsgoodwithexceptionofwounds onsnout.Doesnotappeartobeinfected. 4

PartsexcerptedfromTheAmericanSocietyforPreventionofCrueltytoAnimals,Inc.

38

MEDICALEVALUATIONOFNEGLECT/ABUSE MedicalHistory:Unavailable IdentifyingCharacteristics:Pitbullbreed,greybrownincolor Male Female

ANIMAL CONTROL
ID#:7082312 Name:Sunny Morethanaverage Normal Abnormal

MCPD

EXAM Behavior[Assessstrength,activityandinteractionwithpeopleandanimals] Lessthanaverage Average Strength ActivityLevel InteractionwithPeople InteractionwithAnimals Normal Abnormal Hydration Abdomen Pain Mouth LymphNodes Eyes Ears Nose Heart Lungs MuscSkel Neurol BodyCondition Ideal
[IDEALBODYWEIGHT=IBW] Underweight=Lessthan10%IBW Thin=1015%underIBW VeryUnderweight=1620%underIBW Emaciated=Greaterthan20%underIBW

Weight: 68lbs

Underweight/Lean Thin VeryUnderweight Emaciated

RecordAbnormalFindingsBelow Sunnysgeneralconditionandappearancewasgoodonarrival.Sunnywasextremelytimidwithourstaffonarrival,but hasshownmarkedimprovement. Assessment:Willcontinuetomonitorovernext48hours. Plan:PCVandTPPadministered;urinalysis(UA)andfecaladministered. Administered? Yes CBC/Chem UA Fecal DogTiter Microchip No VaccinesAdministered? Yes No Rabies CPV CDV CAV CONDITIONOFHAIRCOATANDNAILS Adequate Lapsed Borderline Poor Terrible Comments:

PartsexcerptedfromTheAmericanSocietyforPreventionofCrueltytoAnimals,Inc.

39

MEDICALEVALUATIONOFNEGLECT/ABUSE MedicalHistory:Unavailable IdentifyingCharacteristics:Dobermanpinscher Male Female

ANIMAL CONTROL
ID#:8082312 Name:Bella Morethanaverage Normal Abnormal

MCPD

EXAM Behavior[Assessstrength,activityandinteractionwithpeopleandanimals] Lessthanaverage Average Strength ActivityLevel InteractionwithPeople InteractionwithAnimals Normal Abnormal Hydration Abdomen Pain Mouth LymphNodes Eyes Ears Nose Heart Lungs MuscSkel Neurol BodyCondition Ideal
[IDEALBODYWEIGHT=IBW] Underweight=Lessthan10%IBW Thin=1015%underIBW VeryUnderweight=1620%underIBW Emaciated=Greaterthan20%underIBW

Weight: 80lbs

Underweight/Lean Thin VeryUnderweight Emaciated

RecordAbnormalFindingsBelow Generalhealthandappearancewasverygood. Assessment:Excellentcondition. Plan:PCVandTPPadministered;urinalysis(UA)andfecaladministered. Administered? Yes CBC/Chem UA Fecal DogTiter Microchip
1 2

No
3

VaccinesAdministered? Yes No Rabies CPV CDV CAV CONDITIONOFHAIRCOATANDNAILS Adequate Lapsed Borderline Poor Terrible Comments: 4

PartsexcerptedfromTheAmericanSocietyforPreventionofCrueltytoAnimals,Inc.

40

PHYSICAL CARE SCALEHAIRCOAT AND NAILS

After Dr. G. Patronek, Tufts Care and Condition Scoring Scales, American Humane Association, 1998.

TERRIBLE Haircoat a single mat that prevents normal movement and interferes with vision. Soiling of hind end and legs with trapped urine and feces. A complete clipdown required. Nails extremely overgrown into circles and may be penetrating pads causing pain and infection. Nails Intefering with normal gait.

POOR Substantial matting of haircoat. Large sections of hair matted together. Occasional foreign material embedded in mats. Much of the hair will need to be clipped. Fecal and urine soiling of hind end and legs. Long nails that interfere with normal gait.

3 BORDERLINE Numerous mats, but animal can still be groomed without a total clip down. No sinificant fecal or urine soiling. Nails are overgrown which may alter gait.

LAPSED Haircoat may be somewhat dirty or have a few mats present that are easily removed. Remainder of coat can be easily brushed or combed. Nails need a trim.

1 ADEQUATE Dog clean. Hair can be easily brushed or combed. Nails okay.

Copyright 2001 The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with the permission of ASPCA, 42 E. 92nd St., NY 10128 (212)876-7700.

41

Md.CRIMINALLAWCode 10601.Definitions (a)Ingeneral.Inthissubtitlethefollowingwordshavethemeaningsindicated. (b)Animal."Animal"meansalivingcreatureexceptahumanbeing. ThissubsectionisnewlanguagederivedwithoutsubstantivechangefromformerArt.27,62,asitdefined "animal". (c)Cruelty. (1)"Cruelty"meanstheunnecessaryorunjustifiablephysicalpainorsufferingcausedorallowedbyanact, omission,orneglect. (2)"Cruelty"includestortureandtorment. (d)Humanesociety."Humanesociety"meansasocietyorassociationincorporatedinMarylandforthe preventionofcrueltytoanimals. 10602.Legislativeintent ItistheintentoftheGeneralAssemblythateachanimalintheStatebeprotectedfromintentionalcruelty, includinganimalsthatare: (1)privatelyowned; (2)strays; (3)domesticated; (4)feral; (5)farmanimals; (6)corporatelyorinstitutionallyowned;or (7)usedinprivately,locally,State,orfederallyfundedscientificormedicalactivities. 10603.Applicationof10601through10608 Sections10601through10608ofthissubtitledonotapplyto: (1)customaryandnormalveterinaryandagriculturalhusbandrypracticesincludingdehorning,castration,tail docking,andlimitfeeding; (2)researchconductedinaccordancewithprotocolsapprovedbyananimalcareandusecommittee,asrequired underthefederalAnimalWelfareActorthefederalHealthResearchExtensionAct; (3)anactivitythatmaycauseunavoidablephysicalpaintoananimal,includingfoodprocessing,pestelimination, animaltraining,andhunting,ifthepersonperformingtheactivityusesthemosthumanemethodreasonably available;or

42

(4)normalhumanactivitiesinwhichtheinflictionofpaintoananimalispurelyincidentalandunavoidable. 10604.Abuseorneglectofanimal (a)Prohibited.Apersonmaynot: (1)overdriveoroverloadananimal; (2)depriveananimalofnecessarysustenance; (3)inflictunnecessarysufferingorpainonananimal; (4)cause,procure,orauthorizeanactprohibitedunderitem(1),(2),or(3)ofthissubsection;or (5)ifthepersonhaschargeorcustodyofananimal,asownerorotherwise,unnecessarilyfailtoprovidethe animalwithnutritiousfoodinsufficientquantity,necessaryveterinarycare,properdrink,air,space,shelter,or protectionfromtheweather. (b)Penalty. (1)Apersonwhoviolatesthissectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorandonconvictionissubjecttoimprisonment notexceeding90daysorafinenotexceeding$1,000orboth. (2)Asaconditionofsentencing,thecourtmayorderadefendantconvictedofviolatingthissectiontoparticipate inandpayforpsychologicalcounseling. (3)Asaconditionofprobation,thecourtmayprohibitadefendantfromowning,possessing,orresidingwithan animal. 10607.AggravatedcrueltytoanimalsCertainactivitiesrelatedtodogfightsprohibited (a)Prohibitedactivities.Apersonmaynot: (1)useorallowadogtobeusedinadogfight; (2)arrangeorconductadogfight; (3)possess,own,sell,transport,ortrainadogwiththeintenttousethedoginadogfight;or (4)knowinglyallowpremisesundertheperson'sownership,charge,orcontroltobeusedtoconductadogfight. (b)Penalty. (1)Apersonwhoviolatesthissectionisguiltyofthefelonyofaggravatedcrueltytoanimalsandonconvictionis subjecttoimprisonmentnotexceeding3yearsorafinenotexceeding$5,000orboth. (2)Asaconditionofsentencing,thecourtmayorderadefendantconvictedofviolatingthissectiontoparticipate inandpayforpsychologicalcounseling.

43

Traceyv.Solesky Maryland A.3d,2012WL1432263(Md.,2012) Summary:InthisMarylandcasewhereapitbulldogattackedayoungboycausinglifethreateninginjuries,theCourtofAppeals establishesanewstandardofliabilityforalandlordwhohasknowledgeofthepresenceofapitbullorcrossbredpitbulldogandalso modifiesthecommonlawliabilityasitrelatestothepitbullbreedofdogs.Indoingso,theCourtnowholdsthatbecauseofthe "aggressiveandviciousnatureanditscapabilitytoinflectseriousandsometimesfatalinjuries,"pitbulldogsandcrossbredpitbullsare nowcategorizedas"inherentlydangerous."Thus,alandlordneednothaveactualknowledgethatthepitbullinvolvedinanattackisin factdangerous.Tosupportthischangeincommonlaw,thecourtnotedthatitfirstbegantomodifycommonlawconcerningpitbullsin the1998caseofMatthewsv.AmberwoodAssociatesLimitedPartnership,Inc.,351Md.544,719A.2d119(1998).Whiletheinstant questionofstrictliabilitywasnotraisedinMatthews,thecourtnotedindictathedifferencebetweenpitbullsandotherbreedsofdogs, andlaidthegroundworkforstrictliability.Additionally,thecourtreliesonsecondarymaterialsthatsupportitsviewoftheinherent viciousnessofpitbulls,includingreportsoninjury/mortalityinpitbullattacksandcasesfromoutsidejurisdictions.Intheend,thecourt holdsthatuponaplaintiff'ssufficientproofthatanattackingdogisapitbullorpitbullmix,apersonwhoknowsthatthedogisofthepit bullbreed,includingalandlord,isstrictlyliablefordamagescausedtotheplaintiffwhowasattacked.Thecasewasremandedtotrial courtwiththismodificationtocommonlaw. JudgeCATHELL,J.deliveredtheopinionofthecourt. OpinionoftheCourt: *1InMarylandtheviciousmaulingofyoungchildrenbypitbullsoccurredasearlyas1916.FN1Bachmanv.Clark,128Md.245,97A.440 (1916).Inthatcase,atenyearoldboy,JohnL.Clark,wasplayingonthenorthsideofastreetwhenapitbull(bullterrier)cameacross thestreetfromitsowner'spropertyandattackedhim,inflictingseriousinjuries.Thepitbullrefusedtoreleasetheboyuntilawitness pickedupascantlingFN2andstruckthedog,killingit.Similartothetestimonyinthepresentcasebytheboy'smother,inthatoldcase themotherdescribedtheaftermathoftheattackonherchildasfollows: ..[H]ewasunconscious,insuchaconditionthatshedidnotknowwhetherhewaslivingordead...Bloodalloverhim.Id.at247,97A. 440,97A.2dat440. Overthelastthirteenyears,therehavebeennolessthanseveninstancesofseriousmaulingsbypitbullsuponMarylandresidents resultingineitherseriousinjuriesordeaththathavereachedtheappellatecourtsofthisState,includingthetwoboysattackedbythepit bullinthepresentcase.FN3FiveofthepitbullattacksinMarylandhavebeenbroughttotheattentionofthisCourt,andtwohave reachedtheCourtofSpecialAppeals. ThefirsttwoattackstoreachthisCourtwerereportedinShieldsv.Wagman,etal,350Md.666,714A.2d881(1998),FN4whereapit bullattackedabusinessinviteeatastripshoppingcenterandlaterattackedatenant.Bothattackstookplaceintheparkingareaofthe stripshoppingcenterownedandmaintainedbythelandlord.Thepitbullwaskeptbyitsowner,alsoatenantwhooperatedan automobilerepairbusinessonleasedpremises. Inthefirstinstance,Ms.Shieldstookhercartotheparkingareaforrepairs,andassheexitedhercarandapproachedtheleased premises,thepitbullbrokethroughthedoorandattackedher,inflictingseriousinjuries.Id.,at670,714A.2dat883.FN5Inthesecond instance,thepitbullwasnotrestrainedandchasedanothertenantintheshoppingcenter,Mr.Johnson,ontotheroofofacarinthe parkinglotandattackedhim,againinflictingseriousinjuries.Asaresult,Mr.Johnsonhadseveralsurgeriestohisarm,lostsensationin thatarm,andwasimpairedinhisabilitytoperformcertaindutiesrelatedtohisjob.Id.,at671,714A.2dat883.ThisCourtheldthatthe landlordinthatcasehadactualknowledgethatthepitbull(whosenamewasTrouble)wasdangerousandhadtherighttocausethe removalofthepitbullfromthepremisesbutfailedtodoso,andinnotsodoing,hadnegligentlyallowedtheattackstooccuronthe parkingpremisescontrolledbythelandlord.Id.,at690,714A.2d881,714A.2d.892893. ThethirdcasedecidedbythisCourtjusttwomonthslater,Matthewsv.AmberwoodAssociatesLimitedPartnership,Inc.,351Md.544, 719A.2d119(1998),involvedasituationwhereapitbull(namedRampage)attackedachildinsideatenant'sapartmentkillingthechild. Wefoundthatbecausethelandlord'semployeeshadreportedRampage'saggressivenessandviciousnessonprioroccasionsto managementpersonnel,thatknowledgewasimputedtothelandlordeventhoughtheattackoccurredinthepremisesleasedtothe tenant.Id.,at58859,719A.2d119,719A.2d.12526.Accordingly,becausethelandlordhadtherightnottorenewtheleaseorto removethepitbullunderanopetsprovisioninthelease,hecouldbeheldliable.Ibid. *2InMoorev.etal.,v.Myers,161Md.App.349,868A.2d954(2005),acaseoriginatingoutofPrinceGeorgesCounty,theCourtof SpecialAppealswasfacedwithafactualsituationinwhichanunleashedandunrestrainedpitbullchasedatwelveyearoldgirlintoa streetwhereshewasrunoverbyanautomobileandsufferedtwobrokenarms,abrokenleg,andafracturedjaw.FN6Atthetime,Prince GeorgesCountyhadadoptedstatutesspecifictopitbullsthat,amongotherthings,requiredownersofpitbullstokeepthedogsin enclosuresorleashedatalltimes.Id.,at364,868A.2dat962.Basedprimarilyonaviolationofthosestatutes,theCourtofSpecial Appealsandheldtheownerofthepitbullliable.Id.,at367,868A.2dat964.

44

InWardv.Hartley,168Md.App.209,895A.2d1111(2006)(inwhichtherelevantpartyinthelawsuitwasthelandlord),ataxidriverwas dispatchedtopickupapassengerfortransportationtotheKennedyKreigerInstitute.Whenheknockedonthedoortotheleased premises,heheardsomeonetellchildrennottoopenthedoor.Hesteppedbackandatthesametimeachildopenedthedoorandapit bullcamechargingoutasheheardsomeoneyellGetthedog.Hehitthepitbullwithsomerolleduppaperhehadinhishandandthe pitbullgrabbedhisfoot.Hethenrantohiscabwiththepitbullstillholdingontohisfootand,withthepitbullstillattached,climbedon topofthecar.Apolicecarappearedonthescene,andasitdid,twoboysranoutofthehouselaughingandpulledthedogoffofthe cabdriver'sfoot.Thecabdriver'sfootwasseverelyinjuredandrequiredsurgery.Id.,at213,895A.2dat1113.Therewasnoevidencein thecasethatthelandlordknewthatapitbullwasbeingkeptonthepremisesuntilheheardabouttheincidentwiththecabdriver.The CourtofSpecialAppeals,inholdingforthelandlord,opined:Keepingapitbulldidnotviolateanycovenantofthelease,nordidit violateanylaworordinance.Noprovisionoftheleasegavethelandlordcontroloveranyportionoftherentalpremises.Thus,appellees hadnodutytoinspectthepremises.Id.,at217,895A.2dat1115. ThepresentcaseinvolvesanattackbyapitbullnamedClifford.Notwithstandinghisrelativelybenignname,Cliffordpossessedthe aggressiveandviciouscharacteristicsofbothTroubleandRampage.HeescapedtwicefromanobviouslyinadequatesmallpenFN7and attackedatleasttwoboysatdifferenttimesonthesameday.FN8ThesecondyoungboywasDominicSolesky.Asaresultofhismauling byClifford,DominicinitiallysustainedlifethreateninginjuriesandunderwentfivehoursofsurgeryatJohnsHopkinsHospitaltoaddress hisinjuries,includingsurgerytorepairhisfemoralartery.Hespentseventeendaysinthehospital,duringwhichtimeheunderwent additionalsurgeries,andthenspentayearinrehabilitation.FN9 *3Here,thetrialcourtgrantedajudgmentforthedefendantlandlordatthecloseofthePlaintiff'scaseonthegroundsthat,accordingto thetrialjudge,theevidencewasinsufficienttopermittheissueofcommonlawnegligencetobepresentedtothejury.Onthestateof thecommonlawrelatingtodogattacksinexistenceatthattime,thetrialcourtwascorrectTheplaintifftookanappealtotheCourtof SpecialAppealsandthatcourtreversedthetrialcourt,findingthattheevidencehadbeensufficienttocreateavalidjuryissueastothe extentofthelandlord'sknowledgeastoClifford'sdangerousnessinrespecttothethencommonlawstandardsindogattacknegligence cases. Appellant,thelandlord,presentedseveralquestionsinherbriefbeforethisCourt. 1.IstheharboringofAmericanStaffordshireTerriers(morecommonlyknownaspitbulls)bytenantsaninherentlydangerousactivity forwhichlandlordsmaybeheldstrictlyliable? 2.DoesMarylandjurisprudencepermitaninferenceofknowledgeofpriorviciouspropensitiesofadomesticanimalbyalandlordbased upontheexistenceofanexculpatoryclauseinaresidentialleaseconcerningbodilyinjurycausedbythetenant'spets? 3.DoesMarylandjurisprudencepermitaninferenceofknowledgeofpriorviciouspropensitiesofadomesticanimalbyalandlordwhose tenantharborstheanimalinleasedpremisesbaseduponsubjectiveconclusionsastotheanimal'stemperamentofneighborswhohave limitedobservationsoftheanimal'sbehaviorwhichwasneverconveyedtothelandlord? 4.Mayalandlordbeheldliableforinjuriescausedbyatenant'sdomesticanimalduetothefailuretorequirereasonableconfinementof adomesticanimalintheleasedpremises? 5.Shouldlandlordsthatallowtenantstoharbordangerousorviciousanimalsintheleasedpremisesbeheldliableintortunderany circumstanceswhenthetenantfailstoproperlycontrolitspet? 6.ShouldthisCourt'spriorrulingsinMathewsv.AmberwoodAssociatesLtd.P'ship,Inc.,351Md.544,719A.2d119(1998)andShieldsv. Wagman,350Md.666,714A.2d881(1998)beoverturnedorsignificantlymodified? Theappellee,crosspetitioner,Solesky,presentssixquestionsinhisbrief. I.AfterShieldsandMatthews,wastheinherentlydangerous/viciousnatureofpitbullsknowntoMarylandlandlords? II.DidMatthewsimposeadutyuponlandlordswhorenttotenantswithpitbullsinaresidentialneighborhoodtoactwithreasonable careinrequiringappropriatehousingorstorageofthetwopitbullsoutsidethehouse? III.DidtheCourtofSpecialAppealserrinupholdingtheCircuitCourt'srefusaltosanctionaparty/defendantwhorefusedtoappearfora dulynoteddepositionandneversoughtaProtectiveOrderwhentheknowledgeofthedefendantisessentialtoprovingtheelementsof thetortclaimagainsther? IV.DidtheCourtofSpecialAppealserrinupholdingtheCircuitCourt'srefusaltosanctiondefendantforspoilationofevidencewhere defendantlandlordhadtakenphotographsoftheleasedpremisesonthedayofrelettingthepremisestothetenantowneroftwopit bullsandlaterrefusedtoproducethosephotographsindiscovery? *4V.DidtheLowerCourtserrinrefusingtoadmitfortynineBaltimoreSunarticlesregardingpitbullattacksprecedingtheattackon Dominic? Wegrantedboththepetitionandcrosspetition.Traceyv.Solesky,421Md.192,24A.3d1025,(2011). Weanswerappellant'sfirstquestionintheaffirmativeandestablishinthiscase,andprospectively,astrictliabilitystandardinrespectto theowning,harboringorcontrolofpitbullsandcrossbredpitbullsinlieuofthetraditionalcommonlawliabilityprinciplesthatwere previouslyapplicabletoattacksbysuchdogs.WeshalldirecttheCourtofSpecialAppealstoreversethetrialcourtandsendthiscase backtothatcourt.FN10Becauseofourimpositionofcertainbreedspecificstrictliabilitystandardsinthiscase,itisunnecessaryto

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addressappellant'sotherquestions.Itisalsounnecessarytoaddressappellee/crosspetitioner'scomplaintsastothetrialjudge'sfailure topermithimtodeposethelandlordandtothetrialjudge'sfailuretoallowhimtointroducenumerousnewspaperarticlesallrelatedto appellee'sattempttoestablishknowledgeonthepartofthelandlordastotheaggressivenessandviciousnessofClifford. WearemodifyingtheMarylandcommonlawofliabilityasitrelatestoattacksbypitbullandcrossbredpitbulldogsagainsthumans. Withthestandardweestablishtoday(whichistobeappliedinthiscaseonremand),whenanowneroralandlordisproventohave knowledgeofthepresenceofapitbullorcrossbredpitbull(asboththeownerandlandlorddidinthiscase)orshouldhavehadsuch knowledge,aprimafaciecaseisestablished.Itisnotnecessarythatthelandlord(orthepitbull'sowner)haveactualknowledgethatthe specificpitbullinvolvedisdangerous.Becauseofitsaggressiveandviciousnatureanditscapabilitytoinflictseriousandsometimesfatal injuries,pitbullsandcrossbredpitbullsareinherentlydangerous.FN11 TheOldCommonLaw IntheearlyMarylandcaseofGoodev.Martin,57Md.606,609612(1882),whichinvolvedanattackbyaNewfoundlanddoganda smallterrier,FN12theCourtstatedcertaininferencesthatcouldthenbemadeagainstanownerinacasesuchasthepresentcase. TheretheCourtfirstsaid:Inordertorendertheownerliableindamagestoanyonebittenbyhisdog,itmustbeprovednotonlythat thedogwasfierce,butthattheownerhadknowledgethathewasfierce.Tothiseffectarealltheauthorities.[citationsomitted].But laterinitsopinion,theCourtstated: Butwethinktheappellantisrightinhiscontentionthatthedefendantmaybepresumedtohaveknowledgethathisdogswerefierce anddangerous,fromthefactthathewasaccustomedtokeepthemtiedduringthedaytime.InPerryv.Jones,1Espinasse,452,Lord KENYONheldfromthefactthattheownerkepthisdogtiedanddidnotpermithimtorunatlarge,itmustbepresumedthathehad knowledgethatthedogwasvicious,unrulyandnotsafetobepermittedtogoabroad....So,inthecasenowbeforeus,wethinkthefact thattheappelleekepthisdogstiedduringthedayandletthemlooseatnight,furnishesproofthatheknewitwouldendangerhis neighborstopermitthemtobeunfastened....Theevidenceoughttobelefttothejuryastendingtoprovethetemperandvicious dispositionofthedogs,andtheknowledgeoftheappelleesthereto,anditwasthereforeerrorintheJudgeoftheCircuitCourttotake thecasefromthejury,andthejudgmentappealedfromwillbereversedandanewtrialbeawarded.FN13 *5Martin57Md.at61112. InBachmanv.Clark,supra,westatedthethencommonlawstandardinrelationtodogattacks: Atcommonlaw,theownerofadogisnotliableforinjuriescausedbyit,unlessithasaviciouspropensityandnoticeofthatfactis broughthometohim.Butwhenitisonceestablishedthatthedogisofaviciousnature,andthatthepersonowningorkeepingithas knowledgeofthatfact,thesameresponsibilityattachestotheownertokeepitfromdoingmischiefasthekeeperofananimalnaturally ferociouswouldbesubjectto,andproofofnegligenceonthepartoftheownerisunnecessary.Thisistherecognizedandwellsettled lawofthisstate[citationomitted]. Clark,128at247,97A.440at441(citationomitted). Thisstandardhasbeenacknowledgedandsometimescriticizedintreatises,nonetheless,ithasgenerallypersisted.SeeHarper,James andGrayonTorts,Section14.9,at291(3rded.,2007) Thisrulehasbeencriticizedastoactualdamagedonebyanimalswithknownpropensitiestherefore,suchasattacksonbirdsandpoultry bycats,butanysuchchangeinthelawwillmostlikelycomefromlegislativeenactment,althoughthereisnonecessaryreasontoprevent courtsfrommakingsuchmodificationswithouttheaidofastatute[emphasisadded]. Harper,furthercommentsthat:Thecommonlawhasformanyyearsmadeadistinctionbetweenanimalsferaenaturaeandanimals mansuetaenatura,orbetweenwildanimalsanddomesticanimals. * * * Itthusappearsthatonekeepsdangerousanimalsatone'speril,thatis,atstrictliability,butotherwiseastoanimalsnotdangerous.As totheformerclass,itisnodefensethatthekeeperemployedreasonablecare,orevenahighdegreeofdiligencetopreventtheirescape. Liabilityisindependentofanyfaultonthepartoftheowner. * * * Hemaykeepsuchanimals,ifhewill,butifhehasnoticeoftheirdangertohumanbeings...,hecannotkeepthem,evencarefully,atthe riskofothers.Hehasintroducedanunusualdangerintothecommunityandhedoessoathisownrisk. Id.atSection14.11.FN14 ModifyingtheCommonLaw InIrelandv.State,310Md.328,331332,529A.2d365366(1987)wediscussedthebasicframeworkoftheCourt'sroleinestablishing andmodifyingcommonlawrules: ThedeterminationofthenatureofthecommonlawasitexistedinEnglandin1776,andasitthenprevailedinMarylandeither practicallyorpotentially,andthedeterminationofwhatpartofthecommonlawisconsistentwiththespiritofMaryland'sConstitution andherpoliticalinstitutions,aretobemadebythisCourt.

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Whetherparticularpartsofthecommonlawareapplicabletoourlocalcircumstancesandsituation,andourgeneralcodeoflawsand jurisprudence,isaquestionthatcomeswithintheprovinceoftheCourtsofJustice,andistobedecidedbythem.Thecommonlaw,like ourActsofAssembly,aresubjecttocontrolandmodificationoftheLegislature,andmaybeabrogated,orchangedastheGeneral Assemblymaythinkmostconducivetothegeneralwelfare;sothatnogreatinconvenience,ifany,canresultfromthepowerdeposited withthejudiciarytodecidewhatthecommonlawis,anditsapplicabilitytothecircumstancesoftheState,andwhathasbecome obsoletefromnonuserorothercause.Statev.Buchanan,5H.&J.317,36566(1821). *6Becauseoftheinherentdynamismofthecommonlaw,wehaveconsistentlyheldthatitissubjecttojudicialmodificationinthelight ofmoderncircumstancesorincreasedknowledge....Id.at331332,529A.2dat366. Morerecently,inMayor&CityCouncilofBaltimore,etal.v.Clark,404Md.13,944A.2d1122(2008)inacaseinvolvingthetermination ofapoliceofficialinBaltimoreCityweheldthat,Itiswellsettledthat,wheretheGeneralAssemblyhasannouncedpublicpolicy,FN15 theCourtwilldeclinetoenterthepublicpolicydebate,evenwhenitisthecommonlawthatisatissueandtheCourtcertainlyhasthe authoritytochangethecommonlaw[italicsadded].Id.at38,944A.2dat1135.SeealsoPricev.State,405Md.10,32,949A.2d619, 630(2008)(...ThisCourthasalsocharacterizedajury'sverdictofguilty,whichisflatlyinconsistentwiththejury'sverdictofnotguiltyon anothercountasillogicalandcontrarytolaw.Thereisnoreasonablebasisforreversingtheinconsistentverdictofliabilitybutnot reversingtheinconsistentverdictofguilty);Bozmanv.Bozman,376Md.461,830A.2d450(2003)(....WeagreewiththeCourtof SpecialAppeals,thattheinterspousalimmunitydoctrineisanantiquatedruleoflawwhich,inourview,runscountertoprevailing societalnormsandthereforehaslivedoutitsusefulness.According,weshallanswerthepetitioner'sfirstquestionintheaffirmativeand, so,completetheabrogationofthedoctrinefromthecommonlawofthisState...).AndseeBowdenv.Caldor,Inc.etal,.350Md.4,27, 710A.2d267,277(1998): ...Consequently,thelegalprinciplesdiscussedbelow,applicabletojudicialreviewofpunitivedamageawardsforexcessiveness,areset forthasprinciplesofMarylandCommonLaw.Althoughsomeoftheseprinciplesmaybethesameasrequirementsbyothercourtsasa matterofconstitutionallaw,wehavenoreasonatthistimetoconsiderminimumconstitutionalrequirementsinthisarea.Moreover, someoftheprinciplessetforthbelowhaveafoundationinpriorMarylandcaselaw,whereasothersdonot.Nonetheless,asoften pointedout,thisCourthasauthorityundertheMarylandConstitutiontochangetheCommonlaw. WerecentlyspoketotheapplicationofcommonlawmodificationsinourcaseofPolakoff,etal.v.Turner,385Md.467,484,869A.2d 837,850(2005).Therewesaid:Generally,changesinthecommonlawareappliedprospectively,aswellastothecasetriggeringthe changeinthecommonlaw.SeealsoOwensIllinois,Inc.v.WilliamZenobia,Sr.etal.,325Md.420,469470,601A.2d633,657658 (1992).Therewesaid: Wenowturntothematteroftheeffectivedateofourholdingswithrespecttopunitivedamages. Untiltoday,underMarylandcommonlawaplaintiffinatortcasewasrequiredtoestablishbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethose circumstanceswhichwouldauthorizetheallowanceofanawardforpunitivedamages.Bychangingthisstandardofprooftoclearand convincingevidence,wehavenotoverruledanyparticularMarylandcasesonthegroundtheywerewronglydecidedatthetime.Instead wehaveexercisedourconstitutionalauthoritytochangethecommonlaw.[Citationsomitted.] *7Recently,inJulianv.Christopher,supra,320Md.at1011,575A.2dat739,wereiteratedtheprinciplethat[o]rdinarilydecisions whichchangethecommonlawapplyprospectively,aswellastothelitigantsbeforethecourt.ThusinBoblitzv.Boblitz,,[FN16]we changedthecommonlawbyabrogatinginterspousalimmunityinnegligencecasesandheldthatthechangewasapplicabletothecase thenbeforetheCourtandtocausesofactionaccruingafterthedateofourdecision. When,however,achangeinthecommonlawdoesnotaffecttheelementsofacauseofaction[FN17]butrelatestorequirementsata trial,wehaveheldthatthechangeappliestocaseswherethetrials...commenceafterthedateofouropinioninthepresentcase. Therefore,theclearandconvincingstandardofproofforpunitivedamagesintortcasesappliestotheinstantcase,...andtoalltrials commencingandtrialsinprogressonorafterthedatethisopinionisfiled. StrictLiabilityStandardsinPitBullAttackCases WebeganourmodificationoftheoldcommonlawrulewithrespecttodogattackcaseswithourstrongdictainMatthews,supra, highlightingtheparticularcharacteristicsofpitbullsandcrossbredpitbulls.Thereweexplainedthedifferencebetweenpitbullsand otherbreedsofdogswhenwenoted: Thus,theforeseeabilityofharminthepresentcasewasclear.Theextremedangerousnessofthisbreed,asithasevolvedtoday,iswell recognized.Pitbullsasabreedareknowntobeextremelyaggressiveandhavebeenbredasattackanimals.Giaculliv.Bright,584So.2d 187,189(Fla.App.1991).Indeed,ithasbeenjudiciallynotedthatpitbulldogsbitetokillwithoutsignal(Starkeyv.TownshipofChester, 628F.Supp.196,197(E.D.Pa.1986)),areselectivelybredtohavepowerfuljaws,highinsensitivitytopain,extremeaggressiveness,a naturaltendencytorefusetoterminateanattack,andagreaterpropensitytobitehumansthanotherbreeds.ThePitBull'smassive caninejawscancrushavictimwithuptotwothousandpounds(2,000)ofpressurepersquareinchthreetimesthatofaGerman SheppardorDobermanPinscher.Statev.Peters,534So.2d760,764(Fla.App.1988)reviewdenied,542So.2d1334(Fla.1989).Seealso Hearnv.CityofOverlandPark,244Kan.638,650,647,722P.2d758,768,765,cert.denied493U.S.976,110S.Ct.500,107L.Ed.2d503 (1989)(pitbulldogsrepresentauniquehealthhazard...[possessing]boththecapacityforextraordinarilysavagebehavior...[a]capacity foruniquelyviciousattacks...coupledwithanunpredictablenature...andthatofthe32knownhumandeathsintheUnitedStatesdue

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todogattacks...[intheperiodbetweenJuly1983andApril1989],23werecausedbyattacksbypitbulldogs.Pitbulldogshaveeven beenconsideredasweapons.SeeStatev.Livingston,420N.W.2d230(Minn.App.1998)(forthepurposeoffirstdegreemurder);People v.Garraway,187A.D.2d761,589N.Y.S.2d942(1992)(upholdingconvictionofpitbull'sownerofcriminalweaponinthethirddegree). * * * *8....AndtheAlbuquerqueHumaneSocietyreportedthatnootherbreedofdoghasevercausedthekindsofinjuriesorexhibitedthe aggressivebehaviorshownbyAmericanPitBullTerriers...[andthehumanesocietydoesnot]adoptoutpitbulldogsbecauseoftheir potentialforattacksonotheranimalsandpeople);[somecitationsinthisparagraphomitted]. Matthews,351Md.At56263&n.4,719A.2dat127128&n.4(emphasisadded). However,wealsostatedinMatthewsthat: ....Underthepresentcircumstances,however,wherealandlordretainedcontroloverthematterofanimalsinthetenant'sapartment, coupledwiththeknowledgeofpastviciousbehaviorbytheanimal,theextremelydangerousnatureofpitbulldogs,andthe foreseeabilityofharmtopersonsandpropertyintheapartmentcomplex,thejurywasjustifiedinfindingthatthelandlordhadadutyto theplaintiffsandthatthedutywasbreached.ThefollowingprinciplesetforthinProsserandKeetonontheLawofTorts,Sec.4at25(5th ed.1984),isapplicablehere: Theprophylacticfactorofpreventingfutureharmhasbeenquiteimportantinthefieldoftorts.Thecourtsareconcernednotonlywith thecompensationofthevictim,butwithadmonitionofthewrongdoer.Whenthedecisionsofthecourtsareknown,anddefendants realizethattheymaybeheldliable,thereisofcourseastrongincentivetopreventtheoccurrenceoftheharm.Notinfrequentlyone reasonforimposingliabilityisthedeliberatepurposeofprovidingthatincentive.'Id.at570,719A.2dat131132(emphasisadded). Becausetheissueofstrictliabilitywasnotexpresslyraisedonappeal,wedecidedMatthewsonregularcommonlawnegligence requirements.However,thelanguageofthatcaseclearlyforecastedthedirectiontheCourtmighttakeinthepropercase.Thisisthat case. SoonafterwedecidedMatthews,aspecialreportwaspublishedintheJournaloftheAmericanVeterinaryMedicalAssociationnoting that:From1979through1996,dogattacksresultedinmorethan300dogbiterelatedfatalitiesintheUnitedStates.Mostvictimswere children.Studiesindicate,...thatpitbulltypedogswereinvolvedinapproximatelyathirdofhuman...[fatalities]duringthe12year periodfrom1981through1992...FN18. See,217JournaloftheAmericanVeterinaryMedicalAssociation,no.6,September15,2000,at836.Thereportwentontostate:...the dataindicatesthatRottweilersandpitbulltypedogsaccountedfor67%ofhumanDBRF[dogbiterelatedfatalities]intheUnitedStates between1979and1996.Id.,at839.Itisextremelyunlikelythattheyaccountedforanywherenear60%ofdogsintheUnitedStates duringthatsameperiodand,thus,thereappearstobeabreedspecificproblemwithfatalities.Ibid.FN19 AnabstractfromarecentarticlepublishedintheAnnalsofSurgery,entitledMortality,Mauling,andMaimingbyViciousDogswhich exploredmaiminganddeathsduetodogattacksnotedthat: *9Abstract OBJECTIVE:Maiminganddeathduetodogbitesareuncommonbutpreventabletragedies.Wepostulatedthatpatientsadmittedtoa level1traumacenterwithdogbiteswouldhavesevereinjuriesandthatthegravestinjurieswouldbethosecausedbypitbulls. DESIGN:Wereviewedthemedicalrecordsofpatientsadmittedtoourlevel1traumacenterwithdogbitesduringa15yearperiod.We determinedthedemographiccharacteristicsofthepatients,theiroutcomes,andthebreedandcharacteristicsofthedogscausingthe injuries. RESULTS:OurTraumaandEmergencySurgeryServicestreated228patientswithdogbiteinjuries;for82ofthosepatientsthebreedof thedoginvolvedwasrecorded(29wereinjuredbypitbulls)[29outof82].Comparedwithattacksbyotherbreedsofdogs,attacksbypit bullswereassociatedwithahighermedianinjurySeverityScalescore(4vs.1;P=0.002),ahigherriskofanadmissionGlasgowComa Scalescoreof8orlower(17.2%vs.0%;P=0.006),highermedianhospitalcharges($10,500vs.$7200/P=0.0003);andahigherriskof death(10.3%vs.0%;(P=0.041). CONCLUSIONS:Attacksbypitbullsareassociatedwithhighermorbidityrates,higherhospitalcharges,andahigherriskofdeaththanare attacksbyotherbreedsofdogs.StrictregulationofpitbullsmaysubstantiallyreducetheU.S.mortalityratesrelatedtodogbites. JohnK.Binietal.,Mortality,Mauling,andMaimingbyViciousDogs,253AnnalsofSurgery,no.4,May2011. TheCenterforDiseaseControl,inatleastoneofitsMorbidityandMortalityWeeklyReports(MMWR)hasnotedthat:From1979 through1994,attacksbydogsresultedin279deathsofhumansintheUnitedStates...(1,2)Suchattackshavepromptedwidespread reviewofexistinglocalandstatedangerousdoglaws,includingproposalsforadoptionofbreedspecificrestrictionstopreventsuch episodes(3). TheEditorialNotefollowingtheWeeklyReportnotedthatduring19791996,fataldogattacksoccurredin45states.In1986,nonfatal dogbitesresultedinanestimated585,000injuriesthatrequiredmedicalattentionorrestrictedactivity;inthatyear,dogbitesranked

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12thamongtheleadingcausesofnonfatalinjuriesintheUnitedStates.In1994,anestimated4.7millionpersons(1.8%oftheU.S. population)sustainedadogbite,ofthese,approximately800,000(0.3%)soughtmedicalcareforthebite. 46MMWRWeeklyno.21,DogBiteRelatedFatalitiesUnitedStates19951996,May30,1997,pp.463466. AlthoughtheCenterforDiseaseControldidnotrecommendbreedspecificregulationFN20itdidstate:...lawsforregulatingdangerous orviciousdogsshouldbepromulgatedandenforcedvigorously. Casesfromotherjurisdictionsthataddresstheinherentviciousnessofpitbullsofteninvolvetheconstitutionalityofcertaindogcontrol regulations,orcriminalcaseswheredogownershavebeenchargedwithusingpitbullsasdangerousweapons.Forexample,inCityof Toledov.Tellings,114OhioSt.3d278,280283,871N.E.2d1152(2007),theOhioSupremeCourt,reversinganintermediateappellate court,upheldmostofToledo'sbreedspecificregulationsinvolvingpitbulls.Tellingshadchallengedtheconstitutionalityofthatsection ofthestatutethatincludedpitbullsintheviciousdogcategoryandstatedthattheownership,keeping,orharboringofaviciousdog violatedtheregulations.Viciousdogsweredefinedinthestatutetoincludepitbulls. *10TheOhiocourtwentontostate:Thetrialcourtcitedthesubstantialevidencesupportingitsconclusionthatpitbulls,comparedto otherbreeds,causeadisproportionateamountofdangertopeople.ThechiefdogwardenofLucasCountytestifiedthat(1)whenpit bullsattack,theyaremorelikelytoinflictseveredamagetotheirvictimthanotherbreedsofdogs,(2)pitbullshavekilledmoreOhioans thananyotherbreedofdog,(3)Toledopoliceofficersfiretheirweaponsinthelineofdutyatpitbullsmoreoftenthantheyfireweapons atpeopleandotherbreedsofdogscombined,(4)pitbullsarefrequentlyshotduringdrugraidsbecausepitbullsareencounteredmore frequentlyindrugraidsthananyotherdogbreed.Thetrialcourtalsofoundthatpitbullsarefoundlargelyinurbansettingswherethere arecrowdedlivingconditionsandalargenumberofchildrenpresent,whichincreasestheriskofinjurycausedbypitbulls. Theevidencepresentedinthetrialcourtsupportstheconclusionthatpitbullsposeaseriousdangertothesafetytocitizens.Thestate andthecityhavealegitimateinterestinprotectingthecitizensfromthedegreeofdangerposedbythisbreedofdomesticdog. Tellings,871N.E.2dat1157(emphasisadded).SeealsoBessv.BrackenCountyFiscalCourt,210S.W.3d177,182(2006Ky.App.)(Here, thedeterminationbytheBrackenCountyFiscalCourtthatpitbullterriershaveinherentlyviciousanddangerouspropensitieswas certainlynotunreasonablegiventheevidenceinsupportofthatfinding.). InTheFloridaBarv.PapeandTheFloridaBarv.Chandler,918So.2d240,at242and245,(2005Fla..)cases,twoFloridaattorneyswere disciplinedforusinganimageofapitbullintheiradvertisingbecauseitwasmisleading,andalsoportrayedaninappropriatemessage. Althoughthedisciplinarycaseitselfwasunusual,relevantforourpurposeshereisthefollowingstatementbytheSupremeCourtof Florida:InthiscaseweimposedisciplineontwoattorneysfortheiruseoftelevisionadvertisingdevicesthatviolatetheRulesof ProfessionalConduct.Thesedevices,whichinvokethebreedofdogknownasthepitbull,demeanalllawyersandtherebyharmboththe legalprofessionandthepublic'strustandconfidenceinoursystemofjustice. * * * Inaddition,theimageofapitbullandtheonscreendisplayofthewordsPITBULL...arenotrelevanttotheselectionofanattorney. Therefereefoundthatthequalitiesofapitbullasdepictedbythelogoareloyalty,persistence,tenacity,andaggressiveness.We considerthisasacharitablesetofassociationsthatignoresthedarkersideofthequalitiesoftenalsoassociatedwithpitbulls: malevolence,viciousness,andunpredictability.Further,althoughsomemayassociatepitbullswithloyaltytotheirowners... * * * Eventheperceptionofloyaltymaybeunwarranted.InJune,atwelveyearoldboywasmauledtodeathinSanFranciscobyhisfamily's twopitbulls....ThatsamemonthaBayAreawomansufferedsevereinjuriesinanattackbyhernineyearoldpitbull....ASt.Louisman waskilledinMaybyhistwopitbullsthathadnoapparenthistoryofaggressionand[were]describedaswellkept[sourcecitationsin paragraphomitted.] *11Pitbullshaveareputationforviciousbehaviorthatisborneofexperience.Id.,at241,245&n.4. AlthoughtheDistrictofColumbiaCourtofAppealsfoundforthelandlordonthebasisthathehadnorighttoterminatetheleaseinthe caseofCampbellv.Noble,962A.2d264,264265(2008D.C.App.),theCourtdescribedthemagnitudeoftheinjuriessufferedbyaboy hiredtocleanupdogwastefrompitbulls: ....ThedogsthenbegantoattackElijah,bitinghiminthefaceandbody.....Elijahwasracedtothehospital,whereheunderwentnine hoursofsurgery.Sincetheattack,Elijahhashadphysicalandpsychologicaldifficulties.Hehadtorelearnhowtobalanceandwalk,and hashadterriblenightmaresabouttheattack;healsonolongerhasarightear.Hisleftearwassurgicallyreattached. McNeelyv.UnitedStates,874A.2d371.(2005D.C.App.),aroseoutofaviciousattackbytwopitbulls.McNeely,theownerofthedogs, wascriminallychargedandconvictedoftwocountsofviolatingthePitBullandRottweilerDangerousDogDesignationEmergencyActof 1996(thePitBullAct)thatimposedcertainrequirementsonabreedspecificbasisrelatingtopitbulls.McNeelychallengedthestatute onseveralgroundsincluding...thattheActconstitutesanimpermissiblestrictliabilitystatute.McNeely,supra,at375. Thefactsoftheattackaredescribedasfollows:Atapproximately1:00a.m.onMay13,1996,HelenAverycarriedabagofspoiledfoodto thetrashcanbehindherhome.Asshereplacedthecanlid,Averysawtwodogsappearfromunderthestepsofherbackporch.Thedogs chargedtowardsher,forcingAverytoseekanescapebyscalingafencetoherneighbor'syard.Unfortunately,shedidnotevadethedogs

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quicklyenough:oneofthemseizedAverybythebackofherlegandpulledheroffthefence,whiletheotherdogjumpedontopofheras shefellbackwards.Duringtheensuingattack,skin,muscle,andnervetissueswerebittenofffromvariouspartsofherbody,including herlegandbotharms;oneofhertoeswasnearlybittenoff,andshelostalargeamountofblood.TheattackfinallyendedwhenAvery's son,JerrelBryant,andtwoothermensuccessfullychasedthedogsoffbybeatingthemwithanaxandbaseballbat. Inarguingthatadenialofamotiontodismissbeupheld,thegovernmentstatedthatallthatwasrequiredtobeprovenunderthe statutewasthattheownerknewthedogwasapitbull.TheDistrictofColumbiaCourtofAppealsagreedandupheldtheconviction,and notedfurther,asrelatedtothebasicscienterrequirementunderthestatute,thatallthatwasrequiredtobeshownwasthatthepitbulls hadattackedwithoutprovocationandtheownerknewthatthedogsheownedwerepitbulls.Id. MultipleconstitutionalissuesandotherargumentswereraisedbypitbulladvocatesFN21inachallengetoapitbullstrictliabilitystatute inthecaseofTheColoradoDogFanciers,Inc.etal.v.TheCityandCountyofDenver,820P.2d644(Colo.1991).TheSupremeCourtof Coloradoinupholdingthestatuteatissue,opined,inrelevantpart: *12Sincesection855allowsthedeterminationthatadogisapitbullbasedonnonscientificevidence,thedogownersassertthatthey aredeniedsubstantivedueprocess.Thecity,however,isnotrequiredtomeetitsburdenofproofwithmathematicalcertaintyof scientificevidence.Therefore,eventhoughsection855permitsafindingofpitbullstatustobebasedonexpertopinionoron nonscientificevidence,suchaproceduredoesnotviolatethedogowner'sdueprocessrights. Thedogownersalsoassertthatthecityordinancetreatsallpitbullsandsubstantiallysimilardogsasinherentlydangerousandis, therefore,unconstitutionallyoverbroad.Thiscontentioniswithoutmerit. * * * ThedogownersarguethattheordinanceviolatestheEqualProtectionClausebycreatinganirrationaldistinctionbetweenonewho ownsadogwiththephysicalcharacteristicsofapitbullandonewhoownsadoglackingthosecharacteristics. * * * ....Thetrialcourtfoundthatpitbullattacks,unlikeattacksbyotherdogs,occurmoreoften,aremoresevere,andaremorelikelyto resultinfatalities.Thetrialcourtalsofoundthatpitbullstendtobestrongerthanotherdogs,oftengivenowarningsignalsbefore attacking,andarelesswillingthanotherdogstoretreatfromanattack,evenwhentheyareinconsiderablepain.Sinceampleevidence existstoestablisharationalrelationshipbetweenthecity'sclassificationofcertaindogsaspitbulls,andsincethereisalegitimate governmentalpurposeinprotectingthehealthandsafetyofthecity'sresidentsanddogs,thetrialcourtcorrectlyconcludedthatthe ordinancedidnotviolatethedogowner'srighttoequalprotectionofthelaws. Id.,at649652(internalcitationsandfootnotesomitted). Harper,supra,notesthatatleastthefollowingstateshavesomeformofstatestrictliabilitystatuteinwhichthefindingof dangerousnessoftheparticularattackingdogisnotnecessarytoestablishtheelementsofnegligence:Arizona,Florida,Illinois,Iowa, NewJersey,Nebraska,Oklahoma,Connecticut,WisconsinandOhio.TherearealsoindicationsintheliteraturethatCalifornia,South CarolinaandtheDistrictofColumbiaalsohavesomeformofstrictliabilitystatuterelatingtodogs.Additionally,someofthecasesand otherauthoritywehaveexaminedconcernlocalanimalcontrollaws,someofwhicharebreedspecific. Thesourcesanddiscussionsabove,coupledwithourextensivedictainMatthews,supra,andthenumerousinstancesofseriousand oftenfatalattacksbypitbullsthroughoutthecountry,andespeciallyinMaryland,persuadesusthatthecommonlawneedstobe changedinorderthatastrictliabilitystandardbeestablishedinrelationtoattacksbypitbullandcrossbredpitbullmixes.FN22 CONCLUSION Weholdthatuponaplaintiff'ssufficientproofthatadoginvolvedinanattackisapitbullorapitbullmix,andthattheowner,orother person(s)whohastherighttocontrolthepitbull'spresenceonthesubjectpremises(includingalandlordwhohastherightand/or opportunitytoprohibitsuchdogsonleasedpremisesasinthiscase)knows,orhasreasontoknow,thatthedogisapitbullorcrossbred pitbullmix,thatpersonisstrictlyliableforthedamagescausedtoaplaintiffwhoisattackedbythedogonorfromtheowner'sor lessor'spremises.FN23Thisholdingisprospectiveandappliestothiscaseandcausesofactionaccruingafterthedateofthefilingofthis opinion.Uponremandtothetrialcourt,itshallapplyinthiscasethemodificationstothecommonlawhereincreated.FN24 *13JUDGMENTOFTHECOURTOFSPECIALAPPEALSAFFIRMEDFORTHEREASONSHEREINSTATED;THATCOURTISDIRECTEDTO REMANDTHECASETOTHETRIALCOURTFORARETRIALCONSISTENTWITHTHENEWCOMMONLAWPRINCIPLESHEREINADOPTED; COSTSINTHISCOURTANDINTHECOURTOFSPECIALAPPEALSTOBEPAIDBYTHEAPPELLANT. HARRELL,GREENE,andBARBERA,JJ.,dissent. DissentingOpinionbyGREENE,J.,whichHARRELLandBARBERA,JJ.,join. *13Irespectfullydissent: Today,themajorityholdsthatapitbulloranydogwithatraceofpitbullancestry(determinedbywhatmeansthemajorityopinion leavesusentirelyinthedark)FN1shallbedeemedhenceforthviciousandinherentlydangerousasamatteroflaw.Thus,anowner, keeper,orlandlordwithcontroloveratenant'spremisescanbeheldstrictlyliableforharmapitbullormixedbreedpitbullFN2causes tothirdparties.Accordingtothemajority:

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[W]earemodifyingoneoftheelementsthatmustbeprovenincasesinvolvingpitbullattacksfromknowledgethataparticulardogis dangeroustoknowledgethattheparticulardoginvolvedisapitbull.Ifitisapitbullthedangerisinherentinthatparticularbreedofdog andtheknowledgeelementofscienterismetbyknowledgethatthedogisofthatbreed. Maj.slipop.at15n.17. Now,itappears,theissueofwhetheradogisharmless,ortheownerorlandlordhasanyreasontoknowthatthedogisdangerous,is irrelevanttothestandardofstrictliability.Inthewordsofthemajority,theownerorlandlordwillbeheldstrictlyliableforanyharmthe dogcausesiftheownerorlandlordhadknowledgeofthepresenceofapitbullorcrossbredpitbull...or[theownerorlandlord] shouldhavehadsuchknowledge[.]Maj.slipop.at9.Byvirtueofthisnewrule,groundedultimatelyuponperceptionsofamajorityof thisCourtaboutaparticularbreedofdog,ratherthanuponadjudicatedfactsshowingthattheresponsiblepartypossessedtherequisite knowledgeoftheanimal'sinclinationtodoharm,themajoritytransformsaclearfactualquestionintoalegaloneinanefforttocreate liability.Ifthemajoritybelievesthatithasnottransformedtherelevantinquiryfromafactualdeterminationintoalegalone,inthe presentcase,thenIposethisquestion:Whatexperttestimonyorfactualpredicateiscontainedwithinthisrecordtosupportafactual findingthatpitbullsandmixedbreedpitbullsareinherentlydangerous?Ihaveconsideredtherecordandfoundnosuchfactual predicate.Further,ifthemajoritybelievesitistakingjudicialnoticeofsuchfactswhy,praytell,isanappellatecourtwillingtotake judicialnoticeoffactsaboutthebreedofparticulardogs,andcharacteristicsallegedlyassociatedwiththatbreed,whenthetrialjudge wasnotwillingtodoso?Moreover,andmoreproblematically,whyshouldappellatecourtsevenconsidertakingjudicialnoticeoffacts relatingtodogbitestatisticsthatareclearlyindispute? *14Indeed,theinjuriestotheplaintiffareunfortunateandwarrantsomeonetakingresponsibilityfortheharmcausedtohim.Inthe absenceofsufficientfactsFN3toestablishaprimafaciecaseofliability,however,themajorityonlycompoundstheproblemcreated, drivenbyitsapparentdesiretoreachaparticularresultinthiscase.Succumbingtotheallureofbadfactsleadsinevitablytothe developmentofbadlaw.Onthisrecord,clearly,thereisevidenceofinjurytotheplaintiff.Thereisalsosufficientevidencethatthe ownerkneworshouldhaveknownofClifford'sviciouspropensities.Thereisinsufficientevidence,however,toestablishliabilityon behalfofthelandlord.Themajorityevenacknowledgesthat,inthepresentcase,thetrialjudgewascorrectingrantingjudgmentforthe landlordonthegroundsthattheevidencewasinsufficienttopermittheissueofcommonlawnegligencetobepresentedtothejury. Maj.slipop.at6.Furthermore,evaluatingthefactsunderthecommonlawasitexistedpriortothisopinion,thereisnoevidenceinthe recordthatthelandlordknewthatthedoginquestionhadviciouspropensitiesorthatthelandlordshouldhaveknownthatthisdog wouldlikelyattackpeopleinthemannertheplaintiffwasattacked.Thus,takingintoaccountthecommonlawasitexistedatthetimeof trial,thereisnobasisforfindingthelandlordliableunderatheoryofstrictliability. Oneauthorhasdescribedthecommonlawstandardofstrictliabilityindogbitecasesinthefollowingway: Forcenturies,dogshavebeenknownasacompaniontoman[kind].Assuch,theywereconsideredharmless;andiftheydid,infact, possessdangerouscharacteristics,itwasconsideredabnormal.Consequently,theownerofadogwasnotstrictlyliableforadogbite, unlesshehadreasontoknowthedogwasabnormallydangerous.Beingabnormallydangerouswasoftencharacterizedashavinga tendencytoattackhumanbeings,whethertheattackwasinangerorinplay.Theowner'sliabilitywasinkeepingadogaftergaining knowledgeofitspropensityforabnormallyviciousbehavior.Thus,therequirementofscienterwasahurdleplaintiffsneededto overcomeinordertoproceedwithalawsuit.(Footnotesomitted.) LynnA.Epstein,ThereAreNoBadDogs,OnlyBadOwners:ReplacingStrictLiabilitywithaNegligenceStandardinDogBiteCases,13 AnimalL.129,132(2006).Believingthatthetraditionalcommonlawprinciplesofstrictliabilityapplicabletodogbitecasesare inadequate,themajoritymodifiesthecommonlaw.Inthepresentcase,theCourtofSpecialAppealsreversedthetrialcourtand remandedthecaseforanewtrial,andthemajorityaffirmsthatjudgment,butforadifferentreasonthanthatgivenbyourbrethrenon theintermediateappellatecourt.Accordingtothemajority,ifonremandtheplaintiffcanprovethattheownerorlandlordhad knowledgeofClifford'spresenceontheleasedpremisesandthatCliffordisapitbullorcrossbredpitbull,oriftheplaintiffcanprove thattheownerorlandlordshouldhavehadsuchknowledge,theplaintiffwillhaveestablishedaprimafaciecaseofstrictliabilityforany harmcaused.SeeMaj.slipop.at9. *15Untiltoday,thecommonlawinMarylandwasthattheownerorkeeperofadogorotherdomesticanimalwouldbeheldstrictly liableforinjuriescausedbythatanimal,providedtheplaintiffcouldshowthattheownerorkeeperhadknowledgeof[theanimal's] dispositiontocommitsuchinjury[.]Twiggv.Ryland,62Md.380,385(1884)(notingthat[t]hegistofthe[strictliability]actionisthe keeping[of]theanimalafterknowledgeofitsmischievouspropensities).Likewise,untiltoday,alandlordwouldbeheldliabletoathird partyforanattackbyatenant'sanimalwherethelandlordhadknowledgeoftheanimal'spresenceontheleasedpremisesand knowledgeofitsviciouspropensities,andthelandlordmaintainedcontrolovertheleasedpremises.Matthewsv.AmberwoodAssocs. Ltd.P'ship,Inc.,351Md.544,570,719A.2d119,13132(1998);seeShieldsv.Wagman,350Md.666,690,714A.2d881,89293(1998). Scienter,orknowledge,isdefinedas[a]degreeofknowledgethatmakesapersonlegallyresponsiblefortheconsequencesofhisorher actoromission;thefactofanact'shavingbeendoneknowingly,esp.asagroundforcivildamagesorcriminalpunishment.Black'sLaw Dictionary1373(8thed.2004).UnderMarylandlaw,theowner's[strict]liabilityarisesfromexposingthecommunitytoaknown dangerousbeastratherthananynegligenceinkeepingorcontrollinghisanimal.Slackv.Villari,59Md.App.462,473,476A.2d227,232 (1984)(citingWilliamL.Prosser,HandbookoftheLawofTorts76,at499(4thed.1971)).Theburdenisontheplaintifftoestablishthat theowner[orkeeperoftheanimal]knew,orbytheexerciseofordinaryandreasonablecareshouldhaveknown,oftheinclinationor propensityoftheanimaltodotheparticularmischiefthatwasthecauseoftheharm.Herbertv.Ziegler,216Md.212,216,139A.2d

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699,702(1958)(citationsomitted).Iftheplaintifffailstoshowtheownerorkeeper'sscienter,orknowledge,oftheanimal'spropensity tocausetheveryharminflicted,recoveryfortheharmcausedbytheanimalwillbedenied.SeeTwigg,62Md.at386. Withregardtothistheoryofstrictliability,themerefactthatadogiskeptinanenclosureorisotherwiserestrainedisnotsufficientto showtheownerorkeeper'sknowledgeoftheanimal'sviciouspropensitiesorinclinationtobitepeople.McDonaldv.Burgess,254Md. 452,458,255A.2d299,302(1969);seeWardv.Hartley,168Md.App.209,218,895A.2d1111,1116(2006),cert.denied,394Md.310, 905A.2d844(2006).Furthermore,inaccordancewiththewellsettledcommonlawstandardofstrictliability,thebreedofthedog, standingalone,hasneverbeenconsideredasufficientsubstituteforproofthataparticulardogwasdangerousorhadaviolentnature. SeeMcDonald,254Md.at460,255A.2dat303;Slack,59Md.App.at476,476A.2dat234.Specifically,inMcDonald,weheldthatthe merefactthatthedoginquestionbelongedtoaspecificbreed,whichcanandoftendoesbehaveinaveryviciousmanner,was insufficienttoholdtheownerlegallyresponsibleforhisGermanshepherdattackinganotherperson.McDonald,254Md.at46061,255 A.2dat303.Inthatcase,[t]here[wa]snothingintherecordtodemonstratethattheparticulardogallegedtohavecausedtheinjury... wasofaviolentoroppressivenatureandthatthedefendanthadtherequisitescienter.Id.Thus,inordertoholdtheownerorkeeperof adogstrictlyliable,theremustbeashowingthattheparticulardog,inthatcaseaGermanshepherd,wasofaviolentnatureandthatthe ownerorkeeperofthedogknew,orbytheexerciseofordinarycareshouldhaveknown,ofthedog'sinclinationorpropensitytodothe particularmischiefthatwasthecauseoftheharm.McDonald,254Md.at45660,255A.2dat30103. *16Furthermore,untiltoday,thisCourthasneverannouncedatheoryofstrictliabilitypredicatedupontheallegedknowledgeofthe owner,keeper,orlandlordofthepremises,baseduponassumptionsaboutaparticularbreedofananimal,whereadogofthatbreed causedaninjurytoanotherhumanbeing.Ordinarily,theowner,keeper,orlandlordofthepremises,wouldbestrictlyliableinadogbite casewheretheresponsiblepartywasinapositiontoanticipatetheharm;primarily,becauseheorshehadsufficientknowledgeofthe dog'sviciouspropensitiesorinclinationandwouldtherebybeinapositiontotakecorrectiveaction.SeeBachmanv.Clark,128Md.245, 248,97A.440,441(1916).Underthenewruleannouncedtoday,however,theonlycorrectiveactionanowner,keeper,orlandlord couldpossiblytaketoavoidliabilityfortheharmcausedtoanotherbyapitbullormixedbreedpitbullisnottopossessorallow possessionofthisspecificbreedofdogonthepremises.Conversely,anyotherbreedofdoginthepossessionoftheowneroron premisescontrolledbythelandlord,nomatterhowviolent,apparently,wouldbejudgedbyadifferentstandard.Asaresultofthe majorityopinion,itisunclearastowhatstandardshouldbeappliedprospectivelytoownersandlandlordsfortheliabilityofother breedsofdogskeptonthepremises. AlthoughthisCourthasauthoritytoalterthecommonlaw,wehavebeenreluctanttodosobecauseoftheprincipleofstaredecisis, whichwehaveconfirmedpromotestheevenhanded,predictable,andconsistentdevelopmentoflegalprinciples,fostersrelianceon judicialdecisions,andcontributestotheactualandperceivedintegrityofthejudicialprocess.DRDPoolServ.,Inc.v.Freed,416Md.46, 63,5A.3d45,55(2010)(quotingLivesayv.Balt.Cnty.,384Md.1,14,862A.2d33,4041(2004)).Wehavechangedormodifiedthe commonlawwhenthepriordecisionwasclearlywrongandcontrarytoestablishedprinciples[,]Statev.Adams,406Md.240,259,958 A.2d295,307(2008)(quotationomitted),cert.denied,556U.S.1133,129S.Ct.1624,173L.Ed.2d1005(2009),orwhenprecedenthas beensupersededbysignificantchangesinthelaworfacts.Harrisonv.MontgomeryCnty.Bd.ofEduc.,295Md.442,459,456A.2d894, 903(1983)(allowingdeparturefromstaredecisiswhentherearechangedconditionsorincreasedknowledge,[such]thattherulehas becomeunsoundinthecircumstancesofmodernlife,avestigeofthepast,nolongersuitabletoourpeople). Consistentwithourprecedent,thereisnogoodreasontomodifythecommonlawinthiscase.Moderncircumstancesandknowledge gleanedfromtheliteratureregardingpitbullshavenotsubstantiallychangedsince1998whenwedecidedMatthewsandShields.The majorityreliesuponaReportissuedafterourdecisionsinMatthewsandShieldsthatispublishedintheJournaloftheAmerican VeterinaryMedicalAssociationandindicatesthatpitbulltypedogswereinvolvedinapproximatelyathirdofhuman...[fatalities] reportedduringthe[twelve]yearperiodfrom1981through1992[.]SeeJeffreyJ.Sacksetal.,BreedsofDogsInvolvedinFatalHuman AttacksintheUnitedStatesBetween1979and1998,217J.Am.VeterinaryMed.Ass'n836,836(2000)[hereinafterVeterinaryMedical AssociationReport].ThisinformationwascertainlyavailablepriortopublicationoftheVeterinaryMedicalAssociationReport.The Reportdoesnotrecommendstrictliabilityasapotentialsolutiontotheproblemofattacksbypitbulldogs.SeeVeterinaryMedical AssociationReport,supra,at83940.Infact,theReportquestionsthesuccessofbreedspecificliabilityrequirementsandurgesthe considerationoffactorscompletelyunrelatedtothebreedorappearanceofdogs,includingtheirsocialization,training,size,sex,and reproductivestatus.Seeid.TheVeterinaryMedicalAssociationReportwarnsthatdogbitedatacanbemisleading.SeeVeterinary MedicalAssociationReport,supra,at838.Moreover,otherreportsquestiontheuseofdogbitestatisticsandemphasizethatsuch statisticsdonotprovideanaccurateportrayalofdogsthatbite.SeeStephenCollier,BreedSpecificLegislationandthePitBullTerrier: AretheLawsJustified?,1J.VeterinaryBehavior17,18(2006);BonnieV.Beaveretal.,ACommunityApproachtoDogBitePrevention, 218J.Am.VeterinaryMed.Ass'n1732,1733(2001). *17Publicknowledgeandthehysteriaregardingpitbullsisnomoreprevalentnowthanitwasin1998whenMatthewsandShieldswere decided.SeeCollier,supra,at1718(discussingatrendinseveralcountries,includingtheUnitedStates,ofthemediaportrayingthepit bullbreedwithluridandsensationalaccountsofitsbackground,capabilities,andcharacterandthelastingeffectsofthatdepiction).A 2011ReportentitledMortality,Mauling,andMaimingbyViciousDogs,citedbythemajority,notesthat[s]trictregulationofpitbulls maysubstantiallyreducetheU.S.mortalityratesrelatedtodogbites.JohnK.Binietal.,Mortality,Mauling,andMaimingbyVicious Dogs,253AnnalsSurg.791,791(2011).Theauthorrecommendsregulation,however;hedoesnotspecificallysuggestimposingstrict liabilityintort.Binietal.,supra,at796.Furthermore,strictregulationdoesnotequatetostrictliabilityintort.Inthefieldofregulation, forexample,thedirectfocusisontheowner'sbehavior,sterilization,socialization,supervision,breedingpractices,educationaloutreach

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topotentialdogowners,andscreeningofpotentialowners.SeeJameyMedlin,PitBullBansandtheHumanFactorsAffectingCanine Behavior,Comment,56DePaulL.Rev.1285,13041318(2007)(suggestinglawsdesignedtotargethumanbehaviorrelatedtotreatment ofdogs,includingsterilization,breederlicensingprograms,screeningprograms,andcommunityoutreach).Withregardtodogbite statisticalinformation,someexpertsexpressdoubtthatitisevenpossibletocalculatedogbiteratesforaparticularbreedofdogorto compareratesbetweenbreedsbecausemanydogsareunregisteredorunlicensed.SeeSafiaGrayHussain,AttackingtheDogBite Epidemic:WhyBreedSpecificLegislationWon'tSolvetheDangerousDogDilemma,Note,74FordhamL.Rev.2847,287071(2006) (referencingBeaveretal.,supra,at1733). Accordingtosomeexperts,therearemorethantwentyfivebreedsofdogscommonlymistakenforpitbulls.Hussain,supra,at2870. Notwithstandingthisempiricalevidence,themajorityreliesupontheassumptionthatallpitbullsareinherentlydangerous.Inthis record,thereisnoevidencefromexpertwitnessestosupportthepropositionthatpitbullsorpitbullmixedbreedsareinherently dangerous.Itappearsthatthemediahasdemonizedpitbullsasgruesomefightingdogsandhasnotrevealedthelonghistoryofpitbulls asfamilydogswithpassivebehaviors.SeeMedlin,supra,at12881290(discussingtheroleofpitbullsasfamilypetsintheearly twentiethcenturyincontrasttopublicperceptiontoday);LynnReady,PitBullTerrierTherapyDogsProvideGreatServicetoTheir Community,BestFriendsAnimalSocietyPitBullTerrierInitiatives(Apr.28,2011), http://network.bestfriends.org/initiatives/pitbulls/17100/news.aspx. Themajorityalsoassumesthatbreedspecificrules,asopposedtobehaviormodificationrules,areabetterapproachtocontrollingthe problemofdogbitescausedbypitbullsandmixedbreedpitbullsthatattackhumans.Again,theempiricalevidenceisindispute.Some expertsconcludethatbreedspecificliabilityrulesprovideasuperficialsenseofsecuritybecausemanyfactorscompletelyunrelatedto thebreedorappearanceofdogsaffecttheirtendencytowardaggression,includingearlyexperience,socialization,training,size,sex,and reproductivestatus.SeeSacksetal.,supra,at83940. *18Inthosestatesreferencedbythemajorityasexamplesofjurisdictionswherethestrictliabilitystandardhasbeenappliedinthe mannerthemajorityannouncestoday,itwasclearlythelegislaturesofthosestatesthatenactedspecificlegislationtoaddressthe problemofharmcausedbypitbullsandmixedbreedpitbulls.Forexample,themajorityreliesuponCityofToledov.Tellings,inwhich theSupremeCourtofOhioupheldToledo'sbreedspecificlegislationwithregardtopitbulls.Tellings,114OhioSt.3d278,871N.E.2d 1152,1159(Ohio2007)(holdingthatthestateofOhioandthecityofToledohavealegitimateinterestinprotectingcitizensfromthe dangersassociatedwithpitbulls,andthatR.C.955.11(A)(4)(a)(iii)and955.22andToledoMunicipalCode505.14arerationallyrelatedto thatinterestandareconstitutional).Likewise,inColorado,theDistrictofColumbia,Florida,andKentucky,strictliabilitystatutes addressingliabilityforinjuriescausedbydogswereenactedbytherespectivestatelegislatures.RebeccaF.Wisch,QuickOverviewofDog BiteStrictLiabilityStatutes,MichiganStateUniversityCollegeofLawAnimalLegal&HistoricalCenter(May2006,updated 2010),http://www.animallaw.info/articles/qvusdogbiteslstatutes.htm.Ineachofthosejurisdictions,thecourtshavefollowedtheleadof statelegislaturesratherthanlegislatingfromthebench.See,e.g.,Colo.DogFanciers,Inc.v.City&Cnty.ofDenver,820P.2d644,646 (Colo.1991)(evaluatingtheconstitutionalityofthePitBullsProhibitedordinance);McNeelyv.UnitedStates,874A.2d371,380 (D.C.2005)(concludingthatthePitBullActissufficientlydefinitetocomportwiththedemandsoftheConstitution'sDueProcessClause andthattheCouncil[oftheDistrictofColumbia]createdthroughtheActaconstitutionalstrictliabilityfelony,withoutrequiringa culpablestateofmind,solongasitisprovedthatthedefendantknewheorsheownedapitbull);Statev.Peters,534So.2d760,761 62(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1988)(upholdingalocalordinanceregulatingtheownershipofpitbulls);Bessv.BrackenCnty.FiscalCt.,210S.W.3d 177,17980(Ky.Ct.App.2006)(recognizingtherightofstatelegislaturestoexercisetheirpolicepowertoregulatedogownershipand upholdingalocalcountyordinancebanningpossessionofpitbullterriers). Giventhenatureoftheextensivesocialproblemofregulatingpitbullsandmixedbreedpitbulls,themajorityelectstofocusonthe breedofthedoginvolved,ratherthanonthebehaviorofthedog,theowner,andthelandlord.Theissuesraisedinvolvingbreedspecific regulationarenotappropriateforjudicialresolution;rather,thoseissuesarebestresolvedbytheMarylandGeneralAssembly,asthat branchofgovernmentisbetterequippedtoaddressthevariousissuesassociatedwithregulationofpitbullsandmixedbreedpitbulls. Forexample,someexpertsindicatethatthetermpitbulldoesnotdescribeanyoneparticularbreedofdog;instead,itisageneric categoryencompassingtheAmericanStaffordshireTerrier,theStaffordshireBullTerrier,andtheAmericanPitBullTerrier.SeeHussain, supra,at285152.NeithertheAmericanKennelClubnortheUnitedKennelClubrecognizesallthreebreeds,andthebreeddescriptions andstandardsprovidedbythetwoorganizationsdiffer.Id.Itisdifficultforcourts,therefore,bothtodeterminewhetheraparticulardog shouldbecategorizedasapitbullandtodifferentiatebetweenpitbullsandotherbreeds.Hussain,supra,at2852;KarynGrey,Breed SpecificLegislationRevisited:CanineRacismortheAnswertoFlorida'sDogControlProblems?,Comment,27NovaL.Rev.415,432(2003) (positingthattheevidentiarymethodfordeterminingwhenadogisapitbullorpitbullmixcanbeconfusinganddifficult).Inaddition, theconnectionbetweenadog'sappearanceandtheactualbreedistenuous,accordingtosomeexperts.SeeVictoriaL.Voith,Shelter Medicine:AComparisonofVisualandDNAIdentificationofBreedsofDogs,ProceedingsofAnnualAVMAConvention(July1114,2009), http://www.nathanwinograd.com/linked/misbreed.pdf(findingthatthereisdiscrepancybetweenbreeddeterminationbasedon physicalattributesandscientificdeterminations).Takingintoconsiderationthelackofevidenceintherecordofthiscasewithregardto thelandlord'sknowledgeoftheviciouspropensitiesofthedog,theconflictingstudiesabouthowbesttocontrolthedogbiteepidemic mentionedherein,andtheproblemsinherentindefiningwhatconstitutesamixedbreedpitbull,thematterofcreatinganew standardofliabilityisfraughtwithproblemsandisbeyondthesphereofresolutionbyanyappellatecourt. JudgesHARRELLandBARBERAhaveauthorizedmetostatethattheyjoinintheviewsexpressedinthisdissentingopinion.

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FN1.Whiletherewerepriordogbitecases,webelievethatthiscasewasthefirstinstancewheretheattackingdogisdescribedasabull terrier. FN2.Asmallpieceoftimbersuchasa2by4orsimilarpieceofframing,etc. FN3.InadditiontothemaulingsinMaryland,therehavebeenatleasttwoinstancesofseriousmaulingsbypitbullsthathavereached theappellatecourtsoftheDistrictofColumbia,infra,since2005.Accordingly,withinahundredmileradiustherehavebeennineserious maulingappellatecasesinvolvingpitbullswithinthelastthirteenyears. FN4.Twocaseswereconsolidatedfortrialbelow. FN5.Inthehospitalsheunderwentemergencysurgeryandwashospitalizedforaweek.Shelaterhadtoreturntothehospitalforfurther surgeries.Shelostfourmonthsofwork. FN6.Apparently,thesonoftheownersiccedthepitbullonthreegirls,oneofwhomwasthevictim. FN7.Thepenwasdescribedasbeing4feethighwithnooverhangingledgeandanopenareaatthetop.Cliffordjumpedoutofthetopof thepenatleasttwiceonthedayoftheattacks.InMatthewsv.Amberwood,supra,at563,719A.2d119,wequotedlanguagefromthe NewMexicocaseofGarciav.VillageofTijeras,108N.M.116,at119121,767P.2d355(1988)that...extraordinarymeasuresare requiredforconfiningAmericanPitBullTerriers,suchasasix[emphasisadded]footchainlinkfencewithanoverhangingledgetokeep thedogsfromjumpingout,... FN8.Afterheattackedthefirstboy,thepitbull'sownerapparentlyrestrainedthedogandputhimbackinthepenhehadjustjumped outof,whereupon,inashortperiodoftimethepitbulljumpedoutofthepenagainandattackedthesecondboy,Dominic. FN9.Thefirstboyattacked,ScottyMason,wasdescribedaftertheattackonhimasheappearedbeforehismother(anassistantStates AttorneyforBaltimoreCity)as:Hewashysterical.Hewasbloodyfromaboutthechestareaup.Hisfacewascoveredinblood.Hewas crying.Hedidn'tlooklikeScotty.Ithoughthehadbeenhitbyabaseballbat.... * * * Well,hewasunabletotalk.Hewassohysterical,butthetwoolderboystoldmehehadbeenattackedbyadog,andIwasfrankly shocked... FN10.TheCourtofSpecialAppealsreversedthetrialcourtonregularnegligencegroundsandhasdirectedthatthecaseberetried.We donotagreethattheevidencebelowsupportedthatfinding,but,withourholdingthatcertainstrictliabilitystandardsnowapply, reversalisalsorequired,albeitforadifferentreason. FN11.Weare,ofcourse,awarethatsuchdogscan,andsometimesdo,becomewellmanneredpetsinrespecttotheirownhuman familiesaspointedoutinsomeofthebriefs.Thequestion,however,isnotwhethertheyaremaimingorkillingtheirownersormembers oftheowners'families(althoughsometimestheydo),itisthedegreetowhichtheyareattackingothers,andtheseriousnessofthe injuriescaused,incomparisonwiththerateofdogattacks(andtypesofinjuries)inrespecttoallbreedsofdogs. FN12.Thetypeofterrierisnotmentioned.WedonotethatnexttoaNewfoundland,terriers,includingmanypitbullterriers,would appearsmallbycomparison. FN13.ItisquestionablewhetherthisearlymodificationtotheoldcommonlawrulewouldhavebeenappliedbythatCourthadthatera beensubjecttothepopulation,trafficandcongestionofmodernurbanlifeandtothenumerousstatutesforbiddingtherunninglooseof dogsandtherequirementsthattheybeleashedorundercontrol,suchasisgenerallyprevalenttosomedegreeinmanyjurisdictionsat thepresenttime.WehavepreviouslynotedthatThefactthatthedogsherewerekeptinanenclosureinasuburbanareainadaywhen legalrestrictionsfrequentlyforbidadog'srunningatlargecannothavethesamesignificancethatthematterofenclosurehadin1916 and1882.Mcdonaldv.Burgess,254Md.452,258,255A.2d299,302(1969) FN14.Harper,supra,Section1411,pg.310,fn.26brieflydiscussesEngland'sattempttoaddresstheissueofbreedspecificdangerous dogs:InEnglandundertheAnimalsAct1971,section2(2)(b)thedangerouspropensitiesthatmustbeknownmustbesuchasarenot normallyfoundinanimalsofthesamespecies.Ithasbeenheld,onthebasisofthestatutorydefinitionofspeciesasincluding subspeciesthattherelevantcomparisonwaswithotherdogsofthesamebreedandnotwithotherdogsgenerally.Ataboutthesame time,publicreactioninEnglandtoinjuriescausedbydogsledtodemandsforthebanningofdangerousbreedssuchaspitbullterriers andRottweilers.TheHomeSecretaryannouncedplanstobantheowningandbreeding[of]pitbullterriers,Japanesetosasandother dogsbredforfighting(butnotRottweilers),buttheRSPCAandmanyveterinariansstatedthattheywouldrefusetoparticipateinthe massslaughterofsuchdogs.... TheHomeSecretarythencompromisedbyrequiringthemuzzling,neutering,andregisteringoffightingdogs,saidtoincludepitbull terriers,tosas,andbandogs(bandogsaredogsthatarekepttiedupaswatchdogsortiedupbecausetheyareferocious). FN15.ThepartieshavenotdirectedourattentiontoanyMarylandStatestatuteaddressingthematterofthedangerousnessofpitbulls ortoanyactionbytheGeneralAssemblydecliningtocreatedifferentstandardstobeappliedinrespecttotortactionsinvolvingattacks bypitbulls.Weknowofnone. FN16.296Md.242,275,462A.2d506,522(1983).

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FN17.Inthiscase,wearemodifyingoneoftheelementsthatmustbeprovenincasesinvolvingpitbullattacksfromknowledgethata particulardogisdangeroustoknowledgethattheparticulardoginvolvedisapitbull.Ifitisapitbullthedangerisinherentinthat particularbreedofdogandtheknowledgeelementofscienterismetbyknowledgethatthedogisofthatbreed. FN18.Thefiguresalsoindicatedthatduringa12yearperiodendingin1992,almosthalfoffatalitieswerecausedbyRottweilers.More recentdataindicatesthatcurrentlymorefatalitiesarecausedbypitbullsthanbyRottweilers.Thismayreflecttheincreasingpopularity ofpitbulls,i.e.morepitbullsmoreattacks.Otherissuessuchastraining,usebypersonsintheillegaldrugtrade,etc.,mayalsobe causativefactors. FN19.TheonlinepublicationAnimalPeople,www.animalpeoplenews.org,estimatesthatpitbullsmakeupapproximately5%ofthe totaldogpopulationintheUnitedStatespartlybaseduponsurveysofforsaleadvertisements.Thebreedbreakdownsat62animal sheltersholding5,236dogsindicatedthat23%ofthedogssoheldwerepitbulls.Thesefigures,ifaccurate,supportaninferencethatpit bullsendupinanimalsheltersatamuchlargerratiothantheiroverallratiowithinthetotaldogpopulation. FN20.TheCenterdidattachachartofthebreedspecificdogattackfatalitiesithadrecordedbetween1979and1996.Thatchartshowed thatofthe279fatalattacksinthiscountryinthatperiod,79werebypitbullsorpitbullcrosses.Rottweilersaccountedfor29deaths. FN21.Somearesimilartotheargumentsmadeintheappellantoramicus'briefsfiledinthepresentcasebysupportersofpitbulls.In lightofMaryland'ssituation,wefindthoseparticularargumentsunpersuasive.Wehavefullyreviewedandconsideredallthebriefs. Werecognizetheproblemsthatexistwhenbreedspecificlegislationisproposedwhichisopposedbypitbullbreeders,ownersand fanciers.Suchoppositionhasbeenpresentformanyyears.Ouropinioninthepresentcasedoesnotbanpitbulls,butputsagreater responsibilityforviciousdogswherepitbulladvocateshavelongargueditshouldbewiththeownersandotherswhohavethepower ofcontroloversuchdogs.Ouropinionimposesgreaterdutiesbyreducingthestandardsnecessarytoholdownersandothersliablefor theattacksoftheirpitbulls. FN22.IssuesrelatingtothedangerousnessofRottweilersarenotpresentinthiscase. FN23.Theappelleeattemptedtomaketheargumentthatthelandlordhadsufficientcontroloverthealleybehindthehousesuchasto makethealleypartofthelandlord'sandlessee'spremises.Heisincorrect.Thelanguageheassertsaffordsthatrightofcontrolisthe sameas,orsimilarto,languagecontainedinmostdeedsofconveyanceinthisstate.Itmerelygivestothegranteewhateverrightsthe grantorhadinthealley.Inthecaseofalleysimproved,maintainedoracceptedbypublicentities,theprimaryrightthatlanguagegivesto anadjacentlandowneristobeabletomakeaclaimtothecenteroftheroadwayifthepublicbodyeverclosesthealleyorsufficiently abandonsit.Untilthattime,adjacentlandownershaveingressandegressrightsalongwiththegeneralpublic.Generally,theydonot havetherighttocontrolthepublicway.Asweareholdingthatliabilityfollowsapitbullwhenitleavesitsabodetolaunchanattack, controlofthealleyisnotanissue.Inthiscase,itisclearthatthepitbulltwiceleftitsenclosureonthelessee's/landlord'spropertyto attacktwoboys.Accordingly,thepitbullattackedthetwoboysfromthesubjectproperty. IftheownerhadtakenthepitbulltothesupermarketoronadaytriptothebeachinOceanCity,andwhilethere,thepitbullattacked someone,theattackwouldnothavebeenonorfromtheleasedpremises.Whiletheowner'sresponsibilityremainsclear,liability,if any,onthepartofthelandlordinsuchasituationseemsmuchmoreremote. FN24.Thetrialcourtcorrectlyappliedtheprinciplesofthecommonlawatthetimethecasewasfirsttriedbelow. FN1.Themajorityopiniondeliversanunenlighteningandunworkableruleregardingmixedbreeddogs.Howmuchpitbullmustthere beinadogtobringitwithinthestrictliabilityedict?Howwillthatbedetermined?Whatrationaleexistsforanyparticularpercentageof thegeneticcodetotriggerstrictliability? FN2.Mixedbreedpitbullsaredogswithheritagesincludinganypercentageofrecognizedpitbullbreeds[.]KristenE.Swann,Note, IrrationalityUnleashed:ThePitfallsofBreedSpecificLegislation,78UMKCL.Rev.839,853(2010).Totheextentthatthemajority discussescrossbredpitbulls,wenotethat,forpurposesoftheissuesconsideredherein,thetermcrossbredwillbetreatedthe sameasmixedbreedinthecontextofthisdiscussion. FN3.Intheircrosspetitionforwritofcertiorari,Respondentschallengethedecisionmadebythetrialcourtconcerningadiscovery dispute.AccordingtoRespondents,theywereprecludedfromdiscoveringfactsnecessarytoestablishtheelementsoftheircaseagainst thelandlord.Mrs.DorothyM.Tracey,the89yearoldlandlord,didnotappearforherscheduledpretrialdeposition.Accordingtoa letterfromherfamilyphysician,Mrs.Traceycouldnotattendthedepositionorparticipateincourtproceedingsduetoherpoorhealth, whichincludedcardiacproblemsassociatedwithunduestress.PursuanttoMarylandRule2433(a),andnotwithstandingthedoctor's note,thehearingjudgeexercisedhisdiscretioninissuingarulingthatprecludedRespondentsfromtakingherdepositionandalso precludedMrs.Traceyfromtestifyingattrialonherownbehalf.Therewereavarietyofalternativemeansofdiscoveryopento Respondentsthattheyfailedtoutilize,including,interalia,writteninterrogatories,depositionsuponwrittenrequest,andrequestsfor admissionsoffact.Inaddition,Respondentsfailedtoestablishthatthehearingjudgeabusedhisdiscretion.Thus,thereisnogoodreason forthisCourttoreversethetrialjudge'srulingonthediscoveryissueorhisrefusaltoenteradefaultjudgmentagainstthelandlord. Md.,2012.

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AnimalCrueltyFacts&Statistics

MostCommonVictims
Inmediareportedanimalcrueltycases,dogsandpitbulltypedogs,inparticulararethemostcommonvictims ofanimalcruelty.Of1,880crueltycasesreportedinthemediain2007: 64.5%involveddogs 18%involvedcats 25%involvedotheranimals Reportedabuseagainstpitbulltypedogsappearstobeontherise.In20002001,pitbulltypedogswere involvedin13%ofreporteddogabusecases.In2007,theywereinvolvedin25%ofreporteddogabuse cases.Eachyear,10,000bulldogsdieinbullfighting. Threeto4millioncatsanddogsareeuthanizedeveryyearinshelters.

DomesticViolence
Governmentdatascholarlystudiesoftheprevalenceofanimalcrueltyindomesticviolencecasesrevealsa staggeringnumberofanimalsarevictimizedbyabusivepartnerseachyear.TheHSUSestimatesthatnearly1 millionanimalsayearareabusedorkilledinconnectionwithdomesticviolence. About2,168,000womenandmenarephysicallyassaultedbyanintimatepartnerintheUSeveryyear 63%ofUShouseholdsownapet 71%ofdomesticviolencevictimsreportthattheirabuseralsotargetedtheiranimal

LegislativeTrends
47statescurrentlyhavefelonyprovisionsforanimalcruelty(thosewithoutareIdaho,NorthandSouth Dakota)thisnumberupfromjustfourstatespriorto1986. Inthelastdecade,atleast6stateshaveenactedsecondorthirdoffensefelonyanimalcrueltylaws,only toreaddressandupgradethemtofirstoffenselawswithinafewyears.

PassiveCruelty(ActsofOmission)vs.ActiveCruelty(ActsofCommission)
Passivecrueltyistypifiedbycasesofneglect,wherethecrimeisalackofactionratherthantheactionitself howeverdonotlettheterminologyfoolyou.Severeanimalneglectcancauseincrediblepainandsufferingtoan animal. Examplesofneglectarestarvation,dehydration,parasiteinfestations,allowingacollartogrowintoananimal's skin,inadequateshelterinextremeweatherconditions,andfailuretoseekveterinarycarewhenananimalneeds medicalattention. Activecrueltyimpliesmaliciousintent,whereapersonhasdeliberatelyandintentionallycausedharmtoan animal.

CorrelationofAnimalCrueltywithOtherCrimes
MerzPerez(2001)foundthatviolentoffendersinamaximumsecurityprisonweresignificantlymorelikelythan nonviolentoffenderstohaveahistoryofprioractsofanimalcruelty. MSPCAstudyfoundthatmenwhowereprosecutedforanimalcrueltywere5timesmorelikelytohavebeen arrestedforactsofviolenceagainsthumans,and4timesmorelikelytohavecommittedpropertycrimes. TheFBIconsidersanimalcrueltytobeoneofthepredictorsofviolenceandconsiderspastanimalabusewhen profilingserialkillers.
Informationexcerptedfrom: www.petabuse.com;www.americanhumane.org;www.aspca.org/fightanimalcruelty;www.fbi.gov

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AppendixA:GuidelinesforAttorneyAdvisors PleasealsorefertoAppendixB:HelpfulHintsforCompetitionJudges. I. ApproachestoStudentCoaching A. InitialSessions Thefirstsessionwithastudentteamshouldbedevotedtothefollowingtasks: Answeringquestionsthatstudentsmayhaveconcerninggeneraltrialpractices; Discussingcourtetiquette Explainingthereasonsforthesequenceofevents/proceduresfoundinatrial; Listeningtothestudentsapproachtotheassignedcase;and Discussinggeneralstrategiesaswellasraisingkeyquestionsregardingtheenactment. B. SubsequentSessions Subsequentsessionsshouldcenteronthedevelopmentofproperquestioningtechniquesbythestudent attorneysandsoundtestimonybythewitnesses.Here,anattorneycanbestserveasaconstructiveobserverand criticalteacherlistening,suggesting,anddemonstratingtechniquestotheteam. Studentsdevelopabetterunderstandingofthecaseandlearnmorefromtheexperienceifattorneycoaches guideratherthaninstruct,orscript,thestudents.Inlawschool,youlearnedfromSocraticdialoguetrythe samemethodwithyourteam! Ifthecompetitionistorealizeitsfullpotential,itiscrucialthatyouhelpdiscourageawinatallcostsattitude amongteammembers.Pleasecoachyourteamonproperdecorumwhenacase,ordecisionsthroughoutthe case,arenotdecidedintheirfavor. Itisextremelyimportantthatstudentsunderstandthehumanelementofjudging,andhowthatfitsintothe natureofourjudicialprocess.Partofyourfocusshouldrestuponthefactthatlawisnotblackandwhite,and thatindividualswillinterpretthelawdifferently.Similarly,asintherealworld,courtproceedingswillvaryin relationtothepresidingjudge;accordingly,scores,interpretations,andoutcomeswillvary.Whatispermitted inonecourtroommaynotbepermittedinanother;whatissuccessfulinonetrialmaynotbesuccessfulin another. Afternearlythirtysuccessfulyears,ithasbeenshowntimeandtimeagainthatthebestteamsarethosethat viewdefeatsasopportunitiestolearn.Debriefingwithteammembersafterwinsandlosseshelpseveryone improvetheirskillsandincreasetheirunderstandingofthelaw. II. TimeCommitment Thereisnopredeterminedamountoftimethatattorneycoachesareexpectedtospendcoachingtheirteams.Some attorneysareavailableforonetotwosessionspermonth,andothersareavailableonadailyorweeklybasis. Attorneyswhohavecaseloadswhichdonotpermitthemtocoachintheafternoonshaveworkedwithteamson weekdayeveningsorweekends. Whilemostteamsworkwithoneattorneycoachthroughoutthecompetitionseason,thereareahandfulofteams whichhaveoptedforateamofattorneycoaches,sothatthetimecommitmentofeachattorneyisdecreased.
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AppendixB:HelpfulHintsforCompetitionJudges I. ProceduresforScoringCompetitions Rankingsaredeterminedbybothwinsandpoints.Therefore,itisessentialthatthepresidingjudgecarefullyrate eachteamonallelementslistedonthePerformanceRatingSheet. A. SpecialPoint AlwaysawardtheSpecialPointimmediatelyafterthecloseofthetrial,andbeforeaddingthescores.Thispoint willbeusedonlyintheeventofatie. B. Decorum Pleasebesuretoscoreeachteamsoverallperformanceindecoruminthespaceprovidedontheratingsheet. C. AnnouncingYourDecision 1. Afterawarding,tallyinganddoublecheckingtherestofthescores,yourfirstannouncementtotheteams shouldfocusonthegeneralstudentperformance,decorum,andlegalunderstandingthatyoujust witnessed. 2. Yoursecondannouncementshouldbewhichteamprevailed,basedonthemeritsofthecase. 3. Yourlastannouncementshoulddeclarewhoprevailedbasedonstudentperformance(thescore). II. TimeLimitations Studentshavebeenaskedtolimittheirpresentationstothetimeframeslistedbelow.Itisparticularlyhelpfulfor teamstoknowinadvancehowyouwillhandlethetimeguidelines.Somejudgesprefertogiveawarning,for instance,whenthereisoneminuteleft;othersexpectstudentstobemindfulofthetimeontheirown.Stillothers prefernottowatchthetimeatall,thoughthishas,attimes,ledtolengthycompetitions.Studentsshouldnotbase anobjectiononthetime.Thisislefttoyourdiscretionasthepresidingjudge.Competitionsshouldlastapproximately 1to2hours.
Opening/ClosingStatements DirectExamination CrossExamination VoirDire,aspartofcrossexamination ReDirectandReCrossExamination 5minuteseach 7minutes/witness 5minutes/witness 2minutesperexpertwitness(inadditiontothe5minutespermittedfor thecrossexamination) 3minutesoramaximumof3questions

III.MockTrialSimplifiedRulesofEvidence Therulesofevidencegoverningtrialpracticehavebeenmodifiedandsimplifiedforthepurposesofmocktrial competitions.Theyaretogovernproceedings.OthermorecomplexrulesareNOTtoberaisedduringthetrial enactment. AttorneysandwitnessesmayneithercontradicttheStatementofFactsorAffidavits,norintroduceanyevidencethat isnotincludedinthispacketofmaterials.Aswithanyperceivedviolationofaruleofevidence,studentsshould objectorrequestabenchconference. IV.TrialProcedures A. MotionstoDismiss Thepurposeofthecompetitionistohearbothsides;therefore,motionstodismiss,etcetera,arenotallowed. Thereshallbenosequestrationofwitnessesatanytimeduringthetrial.Ifsuchamotionismade,themotion MUSTbedenied. B. Opening/ClosingArguments Competitionprocedurespermitonlyoneopeningstatementandoneclosingargumentforeachteam.InMock TrialCompetition,theDefenseTeamwillalwaysmakethefirstclosingargument,followedbythe Prosecution/Plaintiff.ThereisnorebuttalinMockTrial. C. DirectandCrossExaminations Eachattorney(threeforeachside)mustengageinthedirectexaminationofonewitnessandthecross examinationofanother.
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MockTrialPerformanceScoreSheet Schools:___________________________________________vs._________________________________________ Plaintiff/Prosecution Defense 1=Fair 2=Satisfactory 3=Good 4=VeryGood5=Excellent Pleasenotethatyouareaskedtogiveeachattorneyacompositescorefortheiroverallpresentation:directandredirect orcrossandrecross.IfredirectorrecrossisNOTused,theattorneyshouldNOTbepenalizedfornotusingthis techniqueiftherewasnothingtobegainedbyusingredirectorrecross. **Pleasedonotusefractionsinscoring.** Prosecution/ Defense Plaintiff OpeningStatements PLAINTIFF/PROSECUTION FirstWitness PLAINTIFF/PROSECUTION SecondWitness PLAINTIFF/PROSECUTION ThirdWitness DEFENSE FirstWitness DEFENSE SecondWitness DEFENSE ThirdWitness ClosingArguments Decorum/UseofObjections:Studentswerecourteous,observedcourtroom etiquette,spokeclearly,demonstratedprofessionalism,andutilizedobjections appropriately. TOTAL TiePoint(Beforetotalingscoresheet,pleaseawardonepointtotheteamyou thinkgavethebestoverallperformance.ThispointwillbeusedONLYinatie.) TOTALWITHTIEPOINT(providethisscoreonlyinatie) Direct&ReDirectExaminationbyAttorney Cross&ReCrossExaminationbyAttorney WitnessPerformance Direct&ReDirectExaminationbyAttorney Cross&ReCrossExaminationbyAttorney WitnessPerformance Direct&ReDirectExaminationbyAttorney Cross&ReCrossExaminationbyAttorney WitnessPerformance Direct&ReDirectExaminationbyAttorney Cross&ReCrossExaminationbyAttorney WitnessPerformance Direct&ReDirectExaminationbyAttorney Cross&ReCrossExaminationbyAttorney WitnessPerformance Direct&ReDirectExaminationbyAttorney Cross&ReCrossExaminationbyAttorney WitnessPerformance

Ihavecheckedthescoresandtallies,andbymysignature,certifytheyarecorrect: PresidingJudge:_________________________________________Date:________________________________________________ TeacherCoach,Defense:__________________________________TeacherCoach,Plaintiff:_______________________________

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