State of Arkansas, Appellant v. Rickey Dale Newman, Appellee

Summary

The court dismissed the State’s appeal from an order suppressing Newman’s statements because the appeal challenged the circuit court’s application of law to the particular facts, rather than presenting a legal interpretation requiring review under the rules governing State appeals. The circuit court had considered Newman’s mental condition and the interrogation techniques used, making the issue a mixed question of law and fact. The opinion did not decide whether Newman validly waived his Miranda rights or whether his confessions were voluntary.