State v. Argentieri

Citations

• 105 Wash. 7
• 177 P. 690
• 1919 Wash. LEXIS 535

Syllabus

<p>Witnesses (78) — Cross-Examination — Scope—Limitation to Direct. In a prosecution for rape of a girl under age, a witness testifying as to a conversation lie had with the defendant about the girl, may not be cross-examined relative to conduct between the defendant and girl for the two years prior to the offense.</p> <p>Same (63)—Examination by Court. Error cannot be predicated upon questions propounded by the trial court in efforts to assist a witness who had difficulty in understanding English, where no partiality was shown and no prejudice resulted.</p> <p>Same (107)—Examination op Character Witness. In the examination of a character witness offered by one accused of rape, it is proper for the court to enforce the rule that the witness answer yes or no to the question as to knowledge of reputation, without reference to business reputation, and if the witness answers no, the inquiry is ended; general reputation for good morals, not possible delinquencies, being the proper inquiry.</p> <p>Criminal Law (193)—Continuance — Application. A continuance of a criminal case to secure the testimony of a nonresident witness is properly refused where it was not shown that it could be obtained in a reasonable time.</p> <p>Criminal Law (356)—New Trial—Newly Discovered Evidence —Delay. It is not error to deny a new trial to secure the evidence of a nonresident witness whose address was known before the trial, where no showing was made that he would testify if a new trial were granted.</p>