People v. Lane

Defendant was convicted by jury of tbe crime of murder of the first degree and sentenced to life imprisonment in southern Michigan State prison at Jackson. A recital of the facts is not essential to decision. The refusal of the court to charge the jury as to the importance and effect of character testimony requires reversal.

Several witnesses testified as to the reputation of the defendant (who testified in his own behalf) for truth and veracity in the vicinity where he resided, and also as to his general reputation as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen. Some of this testimony was received…