Dozier v. State

Stolz, Judge.

The defendant, tried for murder, appeals from his conviction of voluntary manslaughter.

1. Prior to closing argument, the trial judge ruled that he would not charge on involuntary manslaughter. After argument, he reversed his ruling, stating his intention to so charge, and offered defense counsel the opportunity to reopen his argument to the jury for the purpose of arguing the issue of involuntary manslaughter. Defense counsel declined this offer, asserting that the charge would be sufficient. Thereafter, the judge included an instruction as to involuntary manslaughter in his…