Moore v. United States

Citations

• 150 U.S. 57
• 14 S. Ct. 26
• 37 L. Ed. 996
• 1893 U.S. LEXIS 2349

Syllabus

<p>When the tendency of testimony offered in a criminal case is to throw light upon a particular fact, or to explain the conduct of a particular person, there is a certain discretion on the part of .the trial judge which a court of errors will not interfere with, unless it manifestly appears that the testimony has no legitimate bearing upon the question at issue, and is calculated to prejudice the accused in the minds of the jurors.</p> <p>Wlieu a necessity arises for a resort to circumstantial evidence in a criminal trial, objections on the ground of relevancy are not favored, as the effect of circumstantial facts depends upon their connection with each, other, and considerable latitude is allowed on the question of motive.</p> <p>The fact that such testimony also has a tendency to show that the defendant was guilty of the alleged offence is not sufficient reason for its exclusion, if otherwise competent.</p> <p>Acting on these principles, the court sustains the ruling of the court below admitting testimony stated at length in the opinion, to show a motive for the alleged murder.</p> <p>An exception to the denial of a motion for a new trial on the ground that the verdict was not supported by the evidence is untenable Under repeated rulings of this court.</p>