West v. State

Frank Holt, Justice.

The jury found appellant guilty of manslaughter and his punishment was assessed at 5 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. Appellant contends for reversal that the trial court erred in permitting the prosecuting attorney to inquire of a defense witness about the character of the appellant.

Cross-examination of this defense witness reflects:

Prosecutor: Q. Have you ever known him to be involved in any violence?

Defense Atty: Your Honor, I object to that.

Prosecutor: Now, your Honor, Mr. Wilson has put the character of the deceased in issue, and I think it is only fair…