88 Sickels
1 opinion
<p>1. Evidence—Arson.</p> <p>Evidence, on a trial for arson, that the building fired was in a block with others occupied by families, is competent as describing the scene and circumstances of the occurrence.</p> <p>2. Same.</p> <p>In such case, a map is competent to define the precise location and its surroundings.</p> <p>3. Same—Confessions.</p> <p>Where the police inspector and other persons present testified that the confessions of the accused were voluntarily made, a conviction of arson, established mainly by such confessions, where the defense rests on evidence by his relatives of insanity and an alibi, is proper, even though the defendant swears they were made “under the influence of fear produced by threats,” provided the jury is instructed to disregard them if so made.</p> <p>4. Same—Letter.</p> <p>A letter written by the defendant, while under arrest, to his mother, and tending; to indicate his guilt, is competent evidence.</p>
