Robinson v. State

The defendant was indicted for burglary in the first degree and convicted of burglary in the second degree. Sentence was ten years' imprisonment.

I

The only semblance of a predicate laid by the State for introducing the in-custody statement of the defendant was on direct examination of Lieutenant Ellie McDowell, Jr. of the Bay Minette Police Department.

"Q. Did you warn Mr. Robinson of his rights?

"A. Yes, sir."

"Q. Did he indicate that he understood his constitutional rights?

"A. Yes, sir."

Defense counsel objected on the basis that "the proper predicate has not been laid." The trial judge made the…