People v. Helmbrecht

Defendant, tried on an assault charge, admitted “ grabbing ” the complainant, but denied striking him and attempted to justify the battery by testimony that the complainant had used improper language to defendant’s wife. Four witnesses testified to defendant’s good character. The Trial Justice, in charging the jury, discussed this character evidence to some extent, informing the jurors that it was to be considered solely “ upon the question of whether or not he would be likely to commit the crime with which he is charged here.” Defendant’s counsel thereupon asked for an instruction to the…