State v. Geddes
State v. Geddes
070rehearing
On motion for rehearing. After the foregoing opinion was filed the defendant moved for rehearing upon the ground that the opinion failed to consider an exception allowed to the mother and natural guardian of the minor child. The exception was to a ruling which sustained objection to presentation by the mother, on behalf of the minor, of a claim of a privilege under Art. 15th, Part I, of the New Hampshire Constitution not to give testimony which might tend to incriminate the witness.
Blandin, J. The law is well settled that a “witness is no legal party to the prosecution” (State v. Flynn, 36 N. H. 64, 69) and has no right which may be determined on review in the criminal action. “The only matter which a court of criminal appeals can review is whether error was committed against the accused, and, if so, whether the error was prejudicial.” 3 Am. Jur. 414. See also, Hadlock, Petitioner, 142 Me. 116; 4 C. J. S. 543. If there was any violation of the witness’ rights, protection may be afforded her should her testimony be offered against her. See 58 Am. Jur. 54, Witnesses, s. 55. Her rights must be adjudicated in other proceedings. Id., p. 72. See Beauvoir v. State, 148 Ala. 643, 653.
Motion denied.
December 31, 1957.
Opinion of the Court
The defendant’s claim that the indictment was insufficient and should have been quashed rests on the sole ground that it alleged commission of the crime of incest with the defendant’s daughter “while the State proved that the crime was
We believe the indictment with its description of the child as the defendant’s “daughter” set forth the crime accurately and with sufficient definiteness to enable him to prepare for trial, which is all that he is entitled to expect. State v. Ellard, 95 N. H. 217, 220; State v. Ball, 101 N. H. 62. Cases in other jurisdictions depending on different statutes and policies are not controlling here and the exception to the refusal of the Court to quash the indictment is overruled.
The defendant’s final exception is to the ruling permitting the minor child to testify to self-incriminating matters concerning her relations with him. N. H. Const., Pt. I, Art. 15th. His difficulty is that he is in no position to take advantage of the constitutional rights of others. State v. Desilets, 96 N. H. 245, and authorities cited. VIII Wig. Ev. (3rd ed.) s. 2270.
Exceptions overruled.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- State v. Albert Leland Geddes
- Cited By
- 11 cases
- Status
- Published