Thomas v. Commonwealth

Upon a Petition to Reheab.

Keith, P.,

delivered the opinion of .the Court.

We are asked to rehear a judgment of this court rendered at :a preceding day of this term, affirming the judgment of the ■Circuit Court of Alexandria county, by which petitioner was •found guilty of rape and sentanced to be hanged.

A judgment upon which depends the life of a human being ■involves the gravest responsibility which a court can be called upon to discharge, and should receive its most careful consideration. Especially is this true when, as in this case, the court of last resort finds itself divided upon the…