State v. Abner Cram

• Decision Date: 01 May 1895
• Citation: 32 A. 502,67 Vt. 650
• Parties: STATE v. ABNER CRAM
• Court: Vermont Supreme Court

32 A. 502

67 Vt. 650

STATE v. ABNER CRAM

Supreme Court of Vermont

May 1, 1895

MAY TERM, 1895

Indictment for murder against the respondent and James Bow. Plea, not guilty. The respondents were tried jointly at the September term, Orleans county, 1894, TYLER, J., presiding. Bow was acquitted and the respondent found guilty of manslaughter. The respondent excepts.

Judgment that there is no error in the proceedings of the county court, and that respondent take nothing by his exceptions.

H F. Graham and John W. Redmond for the respondent.

Rowell J., absent in county court.

OPINION

MUNSON

The respondent Cram and James Bow were jointly indicted for murder. Neither asked for a separate trial, and the two were tried together. Whatever was admissible against one was admissible on the trial of both, under proper restrictions as to its effect. This included evidence of any statements of Bow which had a legitimate tendency to incriminate him, even though of a character prejudicial to Cram. State v. Fuller, 39 Vt. 74.

But it is insisted that some parts of the statements shown to have been made by Bow were not admissible as against him, and were for that reason improperly in the case. The exception taken does not permit a consideration of this question. The position of one respondent in relation to the conduct and admissions of the other first came up in connection with an offer of the state to show the movements and sayings of the respondent Cram. This was objected to on behalf of the respondent Bow, and a discussion was had in regard to the admissibility of evidence of this character. At the close of this discussion the court announced that evidence of the admissions and acts of one respondent would be received as bearing upon the guilt of that respondent, and that it would be treated as received subject to the exception of the other respondent. When evidence of the same character was offered in regard to the respondent Bow, it was asked in behalf of the respondent Cram if the previous ruling and exception applied, and the court stated that they did. No objection was made other than that indicated. The court was nowhere called upon to make any distinction subordinate to the general ruling above stated. The exception taken was on the ground that the admissions of Bow were not evidence against Cram, and so should not be received. No exception was taken to the proof of any statement on the ground that...