People v. Patterson

Citations

• 102 Cal. 239
• 36 P. 436
• 1894 Cal. LEXIS 626

Syllabus

<p>Criminal Law—Incest—Indictment Against One Party.—The fact that the crime of incest may be a joint offense does not preclude an indictment or information against one of the parties, and his trial and conviction for the offense.</p> <p>Id.—Pleading—Following Language of Statute.—In this state an indictment or information is sufficient, if the language of the statute is substantially followed, and the facts constituting the offense are stated in such a manner as to enable a person of common understanding to know what is intended.</p> <p>Id.—Evidence—Distinct Offense.—While, as a general rule, testimony is not admissible which tends to prove a distinct and different offense to that for which the defendant is on trial, yet in cases where incest or adultery is charged, prior acts of sexual intercourse between the parties may be proven.</p>