McCalop v. State

Summary

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed McCalop’s malice-murder conviction, rejecting challenges to the admission and scope of the State’s expert testimony, the prosecutor’s closing argument, and the admission of alleged prior aggressive acts. The court held that the expert could rely on information he had not personally observed, was adequately qualified despite lacking prior Georgia testimony and familiarity with Georgia law, and did not improperly opine on McCalop’s ultimate mental state. The court further held that some claims were waived or invited and that any error concerning the character evidence was harmless.