Smith v. State

Texas Supreme Court
Smith v. State, 32 Tex. 593 (Tex. 1870)
Lindsay

Smith v. State

Opinion of the Court

Lindsay, J.

The evidence in this case does not sustain the charge of an assault with intent to kill and minder. Heither does' it establish that there was either an aggravated or a simple assault committed. From the proof exhibited in the record, it is apparent, that whatever may have been the intention of the appellant, as manifested by threatening gestures and accompanying words, that intention was not coupled with the ability to commit a battery. Without this ability, coupled with the attempt, there could be no assault.

The judgment is reversed and the case dismissed.

Reversed and dismissed.

Reference

Full Case Name
R. K. Smith v. State
Cited By
3 cases
Status
Published
Syllabus
1β€”To sustain a charge of an assault with intent to kill and murder, or an aggravated assault, or even a simple assault, the evidence must show that the accused had the ability to commit a battery. A mere attempt to commit a battery, not coupled with the ability, will not suffice, no matter how threatening the gestures or furious the words which manifest the purpose.