People v. Messersmith

Citations

• 57 Cal. 575

Syllabus

<p>Insanity—Criminal Law—Burden oe Proof.—It is sufficient that insanity be proved by a preponderance of evidence, in order to sustain it as a defense to an indictment. '</p> <p>Id.—Id.—Id.— Instruction.—On the trial of an indictment, the Court instructed the jury, in substance, that insanity must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and in that connection read to the jury a decision of this Court to the effect that it is sufficient if insanity be proved by preponderance of evidence. Held, that the charge was contradictory and erroneous.</p>