People v. Doe

By ihe court,

Greer, J.

The defendant was indicted in the St. Joseph county court, in December, 1848, for the crime of murder in the first degree. Being- a stranger, and his name being unknown to the jurors, he was indicted by the fictitious name of “ John Doe,” and also by a description of his person. On being arraigned, he pleaded not guilty, and requested to be tried before the circuit judge, pursuant to the provisions of section 7 of “ An act to regulate and define the jurisdiction of the circuit and county courts,” Sess. L. 1848, pp. 237, 238. This request was duly noted by the clerk of…