Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

159 Mo. 581

State v. Skaggs

Supreme Court of Missouri

Decided February 12, 1901

Supreme Court of Missouri · decided 1901-02-12

<p>Instruction: “heat of passion:” fajxttee to define. The giving of an instruction which employs the term “heat of passion,” and fails to define the same, is error, and works a reversal of the judgment.</p>

Cited by 3 later decisions — most recently February 1922

3 state decisions

Relies on State v. Strong

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Reversed and remanded · Decided 1901-02-12

View the full empirical analysis of this case →

SHERWOOD, P. J.

¶1This prosecution originated in a oharge of, and indictment for, murder in the first degree, resulted in a verdict of manslaughter in the fourth degree, and in punishment being assessed at two years in the penitentiary.

¶2The name of the person killed was William Biggers; the lethal weapon used, a fire shovel. There were circumstances connected with the homicide which induced the court to give an instruction for that degree of manslaughter which is recorded in the verdict.

¶3There is an error in that instruction, however, which, being properly excepted to, necessitates the reversal of the judgment; it is this: the words “heat of passion” are not defined. [State v. Strong, 55 S. W. 78 and cases cited.] Therefore, judgment reversed and cause remanded.

All concur.
/159/mo/581 · .json · Public domain