Dedge v. State

Under an indictment for murder in the first degree, John L. Dedge was convicted of murder in the second degree and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The court properly excused sua sponte three veniremen who stated they had conscientious scruples against the infliction of the death penalty. The indictment submitted an issue to them involving that penalty, and the State was entitled to a jury that left to the Legislaure the determination of that question of State policy. The judge in so rejecting a talisman does not express his opinion of the weight of the evidence that may thereafter be submitted…