Important Odds and Ends regarding probation, due process, and experts

• The Rhode Island Supreme Court held that it is reversible error for hearsay to be admitted in a probation revocation hearing without specific findings of "good cause."  This means that, at least in one state, the trite declaration that "hearsay is admissible" is an error fo law. From a quick read of the case State v. Bernard, it would seem that this, indeed, has applicability outside of the Ocean State.  Thanks Rhode Island Law Journal.
• Some social worker said, "There is no exact science in psychology. There's a lot of experimental science, but as far as reaching conclusions, a lot of it you go to training, instinct, and -- mostly training."  A trial court seemed to rely on that in resolving a child custody decision. The Mississippi Supreme Court held it was inadmissible under its version of Rule 702.  Giannaris v. Giannaris.  Thanks Blog702.