The PEOPLE v. Bilderback

The problem here is one of statutory construction. Darrell Bilderback was indicted in the circuit court of Fayette County for the crime of assault with intent feloniously to escape from the Illinois State Farm at Vandalia. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of not less than seven nor more than twelve years. The case is here on writ of error, and the question presented is the propriety of the judgment in view of the statutory change which took place between the commission of the offense and the judgment of conviction.

The offense occurred on July 9, 1951. At that…