The PEOPLE v. Thornton

The defendant, James Thornton, was indicted in the criminal court of Cook County on a charge of murder. He pleaded not guilty, was tried by the court without a jury, found guilty, and sentenced to imprisonment in the penitentiary for 14 years.

The defendant brings this writ of error contending that he was not proved guilty of murder beyond a reasonable doubt; further, that at most the State proved only manslaughter; and finally, that he was inadequately represented by counsel and hence deprived of his constitutional rights.

It is uncontroverted that the defendant accompanied by two friends…