AR HB1515

Amends Arkansas Code § 16-89-111 to clarify that a defendant's confession made outside of open court does not warrant conviction unless accompanied by other proof that the offense was committed or supported by substantial independent evidence establishing the confession's trustworthiness.

Changes the language regarding accomplice testimony in felony cases from "cannot" to "may not" be used for conviction unless corroborated by other evidence tending to connect the defendant or juvenile with the offense commission.

Specifies that corroboration for accomplice testimony in felony cases is insufficient if it merely shows the offense was committed and its circumstances.

Maintains that convictions in misdemeanor cases may be had upon accomplice testimony without the corroboration requirement applied to felonies.

Updates statutory language by replacing "must then" with "shall" in sections describing when the state and defendant present evidence.