Woods v. State

Citations

• 43 Miss. 364
• 2 Morr. St. Cas. 1624

Syllabus

<p>1. Jury — Verdict—Practice in Capital Cases. — The separation and dispersion of the jury in a capital case, has always the effect to vitiate a verdict of guilty.</p> <p>2. Same — Consent oe Dependant does not alter the Rule. — The separation and dispersion of a jury in a capital case, though by the consent, or even at the request of the prisoner on trial, vitiates a conviction.</p> <p>3. Same — General Principles. — If it appear that the jury trying a capital case in which a conviction was had, were so exposed to intercourse with others as that they might have been subjected to corrupting or improper influences, that fact alone will nullify their vordict. The only safety for the purity and integrity of jury trials is in the absolute exclusion of all opportunity, during the trial, for the exertion of improper influences on the men composing the jury.</p>