Derby v. State
Derby v. State
Opinion of the Court
The opinion of the court was delivered by
The indictment in this case charged plaintiff in error with the offence of keeping a disorderly house in the mode in which that crime was charged in indictments at common law.
The entire proceedings on the trial have been brought before us, and it thereby appears that the evidence disclosed that the house was frequented by dissolute and disorderly persons; that the quiet of the neighborhood was disturbed by the noise and boisterous conduct of those who frequented the house, and that intoxicating drinks were habitually sold in violation of law.
It is further claimed on behalf of plaintiff in error that the court erred in charging the jury that if they believed the testimony adduced on the part of the state it was their duty to convict. The jury were, however, further instructed as to the duty to give to plaintiff in error the benefit of any reasonable doubt arising from the evidence. Taking the whole charge together, the evidence contained in the bill of exceptions justifies it, for if that evidence be believed the plaintiff in error was plainly guilty beyond any doubt. If believed it established that plaintiff in error permitted his house to be «sed as a place of assignation, to be frequented by dissolute men and women and to offend the neighborhood by noise and disorder.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.