Adams v. State

Citations

• 54 Fla. 1

Syllabus

<p>1. A proper predicate for the impeachment of a witness is necessary, and where an important state’s witness was asked a question on cross examination which properly laid the foundation for impeachment, it is erroneous not to permit the defendant to impeach such witness by showing he had. made a contradictory statement.</p> <p>2. The general rule is that the answer on the cross examination of a witness respecting any fact irrelevant to the issue is conclusive and cannot be made the basis of impeachment.</p> <p>3. It is improper for a prosecuting officer to state to the jury his personal opinion as to the guilt of a defendant irrespective of the evidence in the case, but it is competent for him to argue the defendant’s guilt from the evidence, to show that the evidence produces conviction on him, and should convince them.</p>