Melvin v. State

Descriptive averments in indictments are to be considered in the light of the presumption that the accused is innocent. Property alleged to have been stolen should be described with sufficient definiteness to enable the accused to ascertain the specific charge he is called on to meet, and, in the event of a second prosecution, to plead his former acquittal or conviction. If the accused is satisfied to go to trial on an indictment for larceny containing a mere general description of the property alleged to have been stolen, he can not complain after conviction. But where on arraignment he…