Which case supports the admissibility of Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) as evidence?

The admissibility of Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) as evidence in the context of sobriety testing is notably supported by the State v. Blake case. This case helped establish the foundation for considering HGN as a reliable indicator of impairment due to alcohol consumption. The court recognized that HGN testing, conducted properly by trained officers, could effectively show signs of intoxication, which is critical in DUI cases.

In State v. Blake, the court evaluated the scientific basis and reliability of HGN as an indicator of a person's blood alcohol concentration level. The court acknowledged that HGN is rooted in established physiological principles related to eye movement and the effects of alcohol on the central nervous system. As a result, the ruling supports the use of HGN evidence in court, influencing how law enforcement officers conduct sobriety tests and collect evidence against suspected drunk drivers. This foundational case lends legal weight and validation to the practice, making HGN a commonly accepted tool in sobriety testing protocols.