Quinn v. State

Patrick Quinn was indicted and convicted of murder in the second degree.

On his trial, a boy (his son), seven years old, was examined as a witness. The Court examined him, and were satisfied of his competency. Nothing appears showing the ruling incorrect.

The boy was a witness for the state, and the state was permitted to impeach him by contradicting his statements. This is allowed in civil cases. 2 R. S. p. 83, § 244. But we have found no provision in the criminal code changing the common-law rule; and it has been decided that the provisions of the civil code do not, as matter of course, *590govern…