People v. Wright

Donald L. Wright on trial by jury was convicted in the recorder’s court of Detroit of murder in the first degree. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. His motion for a new trial was denied. He has appealed and presents in support of his claim of right to a new trial the following questions.

‘ ‘Did the trial court err in admitting into evidence the so-called ‘confessions’ of other offenses, and in permitting cross-examination of defendant thereon?

“Was defendant compelled to incriminate himself in violation of article 2, § 16, Const. (1908) ?”

The people’s claim is that on January 13, 1944, in…