LT Oct 7 11:38

Regarding using Battered Women's Syndrome (BWS) evidence, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled significantly in the 2018 case of State v. Curley. In this case, Catina Curley was charged with the killing of her abusive husband by shooting him after a history of physical abuse that was documented over the years, leading to her Battered Women's Syndrome. Throughout their nearly decade-long marriage, Catina and Renaldo Curley endured significant domestic violence inflicted by the victim. Testimonies revealed instances of a fractured nose, bruised eyes, a swollen face, and a dislocated shoulder among the severe abuses. Mrs. Curley recounted that her husband would rip the phone from the wall or obstruct the door, making her unable to seek help. The couple had separated on the night of the shooting, and after Catina returned home to check on her children, an altercation ensued. Ultimately, she was convicted of the offense. The Louisiana Supreme Court ultimately concurred that Catina Curley was denied her Sixth Amendment right to effective legal representation because her trial attorney did not provide a "coherent" defense of battered Woman Syndrome (BWS) with expert testimony. The Court further elucidated that, according to the Louisiana Code of Evidence article 404(A), evidence of BWS and associated expert testimony are allowable in instances where the defendant asserts self-defense, rather than solely in cases of insanity.References and a reply