People v. Samsels

66 Cal. 99 | Cal. | 1884

Myrick, J.

-The defendant was informed against for the crime of murder, and was convicted of murder in the second degree.

1. —Two persons, being examined as to qualifications to serve as jurors, answered that they were assessed upon the last assessment roll of the county. After the verdict, the defendant caused the index of the assessment roll to be examined, and not finding the name of either of the persons, moved for a new trial, and in arrest of judgment. People v. Fair, 43 Cal. 137, is directly in point, and adverse to the appellant.

2. —The court instructed the jury, at the request of the prosecution, that the “ bare fear of an assault upon the defendant will not justify homicide, nor the fear that deceased was about to commit a felony, unless defendant believed there was imminent danger thereof.” This instruction was more favorable to. the defendant than he was entitled.to, as it omitted the element of the reasonableness of the belief.

3. —The statute does not require that the charge of the court, given of its own motion, should be marked by the judge; it is sufficient if it appear that the charge was given, which does appear in this case.

4. —The court instructed the jury: “ The distinction between murder and manslaughter lies in the presence or absence of malice. The existence of malice, like any other fact, may be logically inferred by the jury from all the facts and circumstances of the case, legally proved, the weapon used, the action of the defendant at the time of the occurrence, and his previous acts and conduct.”

We fail to see any error in this instruction. The same may be said as to the instruction regarding character, viz : “ If you should believe the defendant guilty, you must so find, notwithstanding his good character.”

We see no error.

Judgment and order affirmed.

Sharpstein, J., and Thornton, J., concurred.