The People v. Ritcheson

On a trial by jury in the circuit court of St. Clair county, plaintiff in error was found guilty of the crime of rape and his punishment was fixed at 99 years in the penitentiary. He has sued a writ of error out of this court to review the record of his conviction. The errors urged for reversal are denial of a motion for a continuance, that the evidence does not establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, that improper instructions were given and that the argument of the assistant State’s Attorney was improper and prejudiced the jury against plaintiff in error.

On the evening of August 11,…