Erickson

This is an appeal from a conviction for first degree murder. Appellant Deborah G. Erickson claims the court impermissibly excluded important expert testimony concerning her mental state on the night of the crime. She also contends the prosecution’s expert impermissibly stated his opinion concerning appellant’s mental state at the time of the crime, thereby depriving her of a fair trial. We affirm the judgment.

Facts and Procedural History

Appellant had been sexually and physically abused by her parents as a teenager. She experienced several unsuccessful relationships as an adult, including at least one previous relationship that involved serious physical abuse of appellant by her husband.

Appellant began living with the victim, Ron Pruitt, in early 1993. Soon after appellant started living with Pruitt, he became highly critical of her, was bossy and controlling, and drank a great deal of alcohol. Appellant moved out in June of 1993; she returned in September after Pruitt agreed to go to Alcoholics Anonymous. Pruitt failed to live up to this promise, however, and his previous negative behavior increased in intensity.

Around Thanksgiving of 1993, appellant came home…