Markham v. United States, 6120.

Decision Date10 October 1950
Docket NumberNo. 6120.,6120.
Citation184 F.2d 512
PartiesMARKHAM v. UNITED STATES.
CourtU.S. Court of Appeals — Fourth Circuit

Harry P. Anderson, Jr., and W. R. Allcott, Richmond, Va., for appellant.

William B. Eley, Asst. U. S. Atty., Norfolk, Va., and George R. Humrickhouse, U. S. Atty., Richmond, Va., for appellee.

Before PARKER, Chief Judge, and SOPER and DOBIE, Circuit Judges.

PER CURIAM.

This is an appeal in a criminal case. Appellant was convicted of murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life. His guilt of the crime charged was established by circumstantial testimony and evidence of statements made in the hearing of prisoners with whom he was confined. The defense relied on in the court below was insanity, and this was fully and fairly submitted to the jury. The only question presented by the appeal is whether, upon the suggestion before trial that appellant was insane, the trial judge complied with the requirements of 18 U.S.C.A. § 4244. We think that he did.

It appears that on November 9, 1949, counsel for appellant moved that he be committed to an institution to be examined by competent psychiatrists for the purpose of determining his sanity. The United States Attorney joined in the motion and an order to that effect was accordingly entered. Appellant was committed to Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, D. C. for examination and the period of examination was extended at the suggestion of the superintendent of that institution in order that a thorough examination might be had. After an examination extending from November 14, 1949 to January 26, 1950, the superintendent of Saint Elizabeth's and another psychiatrist joined in a report finding that appellant was not insane at the time and was competent to consult with counsel in the preparation of his defense. Since it did not appear from the report of the psychiatrists that appellant was insane, it was not required by the statute that the court hold a hearing as to his mental condition at the time. Nevertheless, the trial judge made inquiry whether appellant desired a further hearing in the matter, and, being advised by his counsel that he did not, proceeded to find as a fact that appellant was competent to stand trial. It is true that appellant and his counsel thereafter stated in open court that they waived a hearing on insanity at that time; but this was a mere matter of supererogation. No such waiver was required to enable the court to proceed with the...

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4 cases
  • US v. Nichols, G87-18-04-Cr.
    • United States
    • U.S. District Court — Western District of Michigan
    • 3 June 1987
    ...indicated that the defendant was competent. See e.g., Formhals v. United States, 278 F.2d 43 (9th Cir.1960); see also Markham v. United States, 184 F.2d 512 (4th Cir.1950), cert. den., 340 U.S. 936, 71 S.Ct. 480, 95 L.Ed. 676 (1951). On the other hand, if the psychiatric report indicated a ......
  • Lee v. State of Alabama, Civ. A. No. 2585-N.
    • United States
    • U.S. District Court — Middle District of Alabama
    • 13 November 1967
    ...denied 119 U.S. App.D.C. 174, 338 F.2d 283 (1964), cert. denied 380 U.S. 918, 85 S.Ct. 912, 13 L.Ed.2d 803 (1965); Markham v. United States, 184 F.2d 512 (4th Cir. 1950), cert. denied 340 U.S. 936, 71 S.Ct. 480, 95 L.Ed. 676 (1951). See also Clark v. Beto, 359 F.2d 554, 557 (5th Cir. As ref......
  • Markham v. United States, 6820.
    • United States
    • U.S. Court of Appeals — Fourth Circuit
    • 17 August 1954
    ...a motion under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 to set aside the judgment and sentence which was affirmed by this court on appeal in Markham v. United States, 4 Cir., 184 F.2d 512. Appellant, who was represented by counsel, was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 1111 of murder committed on the Old Army Base in No......
  • Formhals v. United States
    • United States
    • U.S. Court of Appeals — Ninth Circuit
    • 4 May 1960
    ...with hearings and to make a finding before proceeding with Formhals' trial. We find support for this position in Markham v. United States, 4 Cir., 1950, 184 F.2d 512. And see: Krupnick v. United States, 8 Cir., 1959, 264 F.2d 213, 216; United States v. Everett, D.C.D. Kan.1956, 146 F.Supp. ......

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