Finding missing witnesses
Hardy v. Cross
In brief
The Supreme Court overturned the Seventh Circuit's decision in Cross's case.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided · December 12, 2011 · Per curiam
- What it’s about
- Irving Cross challenged the use of A.S.’s earlier testimony at his retrial, arguing prosecutors had not made the good-faith effort to find her required by the Confrontation Clause. The Supreme Court overturned the Seventh Circuit’s judgment (reversed it).
- Who it affects
- The Seventh Circuit's decision no longer stands in Cross's case.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The dispute concerned whether prosecutors made enough effort to locate A.S. before using her earlier testimony under the Confrontation Clause.
Question presented
Did the steps taken to attempt to locate A.S. satisfy the Confrontation Clause's good faith effort requirement?
What the Court decided
Holding
The petition for a writ of certiorari and Cross’ motion to proceed in forma pauperis are granted, and the judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is Reversed.
- Result
- Reversed
The vote
- Majority author
- Per Curiam
What's next
The Supreme Court has finished its action; no further step is stated.
Documents
Opinions
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
AI analysis generated: Decision Record
Case data updated: summary, question_presented, generation_metadata
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Case data updated: title, status, lower_court, opinion_date
Opinion added: Hardy
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.