State v. Smalls

Lewis, Justice:

Appellant was convicted in the General Sessions Court for Charleston County of assault with intent to ravish, with a recommendation to mercy, and received a sentence of twenty-four (24) years. His appeal from that judgment and sentence presents two questions, but only one need be decided. That question is: Did the trial judge err in refusing to instruct the jury that testimony as to appellant’s prior criminal record could only be considered in determining his credibility as a witness and was not to be considered as having any bearing on the question of guilt?

It is well…