Smith v. State
Smith v. State
Opinion of the Court
The appellant was convicted of carrying a pistol on or about his person. Does the evidence support the verdict, is the only question presented.
There was but one witness, and his testimony was sub
This is very unsatisfactory evidence; there is no description of the thing which he saw and which looked like the handle of a pistol. We are not informed whether there was a scabbard or not. If so, was it for a knife or pistol? What was its size and shape? Was this supposed handle in the scabbard? There is no fact given upon which this witness’ opinion was based. To justify a conviction there should be clearness and certainty in the proof,—such certainty as would amount to that which is morally certain.
We cannot give our consent to a conviction supported by such evidence as the above. The judgment is therefore reversed, and the cause remanded for a new trial.
Reversed and remanded.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.