People v. Robinson
California Supreme Court
Appeal from the Eleventh District. Indictment for murder of a Frenchman. On the trial a witness for the prosecution testified, among other things, that “ he slept in the same room with defendant; that defendant did not rest well of nights; that this was before his arrest, and that he talked some while asleep.” The District Attorney then asked the witness what defendant said in his sleep.
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Appeal from the Eleventh District. Indictment for murder of a Frenchman. On the trial a witness for the prosecution testified, among other things, that “ he slept in the same room with defendant; that defendant did not rest well of nights; that this was before his arrest, and that he talked some while asleep.” The District Attorney then asked the witness what defendant said in his sleep. Defendant’s counsel objected on the ground that defendant is not responsible for what he then said. Overruled, defendant excepting, and the witness answered, stating what the defendant said. Defendant was…
1Opinion of the CourtCope, J.
Field, C. J. concurring.
The bill of exceptions in this case states that certain words uttered by the defendant while sleeping were given in evidence against him at the trial. It is difficult to see upon what principle this evidence was admitted, and we are of opinion that the objection to it should have been sustained. If the defendant was asleep, the inference is that he was not conscious of what he was saying, and words spoken by him in that condition constituted no evidence of guilt.
Judgment reversed and cause remanded for a new trial.
2Cited by11 opinions
- Chadwick v. United StatesCourt of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit · 1905
- State v. ZimmermanIdaho Supreme Court · 1992
- People v. KiddIllinois Supreme Court · 1992
- State v. MorganWest Virginia Supreme Court · 1891
- Plummer v. RickerSupreme Court of Vermont · 1898
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