The alleged offenders were condemned on the grounds of certain adults' and, most of all, the children's testimony, together with psychiatric evidence.

The first conviction was reversed because the prosecution withheld psychiatric evidence, but he was convicted again in 1986, all the while pleading his innocence.

The judge in the case indicated on Friday that he might permit some psychiatric evidence.

Yet the defense is likely to face two hurdles that could bar psychiatric evidence during the penalty phase.

I got this story from my brother Brand, who had railroaded me into Porter in the first place, by means of fake psychiatric evidence.

But the judge has indicated he would permit some psychiatric evidence.

There was no medical or psychiatric evidence to support the allegation.

"Family Court deals with a lot of psychological, psychiatric and medical evidence," Professor Sobie said.

The court ignored amicus briefs arguing that psychiatric evidence cannot be offered on such issues with any reasonable degree of certainty.

"There was, I suppose, some psychiatric evidence?"