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55 Cal. 524

People v. St. Clair

California Supreme Court

Decided July 1, 1880

California Supreme Court · decided 1880-07-01

<p>Appeal from a judgment of conviction, and from an order denying a new trial, in the Superior Court of the County of San Joaquin. Buckley, J.</p>

Decided 1880-07-01

The Courts

¶1The indictment charges an entry into a stable with intent to commit “ larcey.” Burglary is the entering of a house, etc., “with intent to commit grand or petit larceny, or any felony.” (Pen. Code, § 459.) There is no such felony as “larcey” known to our law. “ Larcey ” is certainly not larceny, nor does the maxim idem sonans apply.

¶2It is said that the Court must give judgment without regard to the technical errors or defects, or to exceptions which do not affect the substantial rights of the parties. (Pen. Code, 1258.) But this is more than a departure from an established form; nor is it a case in which facts are averred in the indictment which sufficiently indicate the sense in which the word purporting to name the crime is employed, but is a failure to describe any offense.

¶3Judgment reversed, and cause remanded for a new trial.

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