State v. Bacon
State v. Bacon
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the court.
After careful consideration of the testimony in this record, we are constrained to hold that the action of the circuit judge in quashing the indictment was incorrect. The proof clearly shows that the bailiff exerted no influence on the grand jury. Green v. State. 59 Miss., 505, states the true rule on this point.
The facts as to the intruder’s conduct fall far short of showing an exertion of improper influence measuring up to that shown in Wilson v. State, 70 Miss., 595 (13 So. Rep., 225). The intruder did not act as district attorney, did not have the witnesses summoned for the state, and did not draw the indictment. The action of the grand jury must be free from malice, prejudice or passion. But its solemn findings are not to be set aside for light or trivial causes, or anything short of a sufficient, substantial showing. In accordance with previous decisions, the ease must be remanded for trial on the indictment. We so expressly held in McDowell’s case, 72 Miss., 138 (17 So. Rep., 213); and such is the holding in Jolly’s case, 73 Miss., 42 (18 So. Rep., 541); State v. Gillis, 75 Miss., 331 (24 So. Rep., 25); and Jones’ case, 71 Miss., 872 (15 So. Rep., 237). We have construed “another prosecution” to mean, in this statute (§ 39,
Judgment reversed, and motion to quash overruled, and cause remandedl for trial on the indictment.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- State of Mississippi v. William Bacon
- Cited By
- 13 cases
- Status
- Published
- Syllabus
- 1. Ceiminal Law. Grand jury. Bailiff in room. The presence of the bailiff in the grand jury room during a part of its deliberations on a case, is not sufficient cause to quash an indictment found therein. 3. Same. Interloper. The presence of an interloper before the grand jury, and statements there made by him charging the guilt of a person, are not sufficient cause to quash an indictment found against such person in the absence of a showing that such acts and statements influenced the presentment. 3. Same. Code 1893, g 39. Retrial. Under § 39, code 1892, providing for appeals by the state from judgments quashing indictments, and that such appeals shall not bar another prosecution, where a judgment quashing an indictment is reversed, the case will be remanded, and a new trial ordered on same indictment.