State v. . Champion

Upon the trial below after defendant in support of his plea of self-defense had testified that deceased, William Reid, was a “dangerous and violent man,” the State in cross-examining several witnesses introduced by defendant, and over the objection of defendant, elicited evidence of the general good character of the deceased. This evidence is incompetent, and the admission of it constitutes prejudicial error for which defendant is entitled to a new trial.

It is a general rule, well and long established in this State, that, in the trial of a homicide case evidence as to the general character…