Justices Search for Sweet Spot on Testimony on Criminal Mind (1)

The US Supreme Court tried to find what Justice Sonia Sotomayor called a “happy medium” on when experts can testify about a defendant’s criminal knowledge, suggesting that questions will remain no matter how the justices ultimately resolve the issue.

The problem for the justices during arguments Tuesday was where to draw the line on ambiguous evidentiary rules, as evidence prohibited under one rule might be permissible under another. “There’s always a way to skin the evidentiary cat,” said Justice Neil Gorsuch, who appeared firmly on the side advocating for a more limited rule.

At the center of the case is ...