The People, Plaintiff and Respondent v. Ruthetta Lois Hopson, Defendant and Appellant.

Summary

The court held that admitting Thomas's testimonial confession violated the defendant's confrontation right because the prosecution used it as substantive evidence that she participated in the murder, not merely for a nonhearsay impeachment purpose. The court rejected the argument that the defendant's testimony opened the door to admission of the full confession and reversed the Court of Appeal's judgment. The case was remanded for a determination whether the constitutional error was prejudicial and whether a new trial is required.