The People v. Lewis

The sole question presented in this cause is whether one charged by an indictment with murder may be convicted thereunder of manslaughter in the absence of any specific charge of the latter offense in the indictment. The cause is here on writ of error to the criminal court of Cook county, sued out by John W. Lewis, who was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to the penitentiary for from one to fourteen years, under an indictment of two counts, each charging him with murder. He pleaded not guilty, waived a jury trial and the cause was heard by the court without a jury. The trial court…