Case ID: ky-op_9/html/0513-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Judge Pryor :", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Joe Griffith v. Commonwealth.
    Criminal Law — Robbery and Larceny — Instruction.
    Robbery and larceny are not degrees of the same offense. They a,re distinct offenses.
    Indictment.
    An indictment for robbery is good whether the notes charged to have been taken were lawful currency of the country or not. If such notes are of any value the party committing the offense is guilty.
    APPEAL FROM DAVIESS CIRCUIT COURT.
    June 22, 1877.
    
      Owen & Ellis, for appellant.
    
    
      T. E. Moss, for appellee.
    
   Opinion by

Judge Pryor :

The second instruction for the commonwealth is clearly erroneous. Robbery and larceny are not degrees of the same offense. They are distinct offenses, as much so as burglary and house-breaking are distinct from larceny. Bullitt’s Criminal Code, Sec. 276.

The indictment is good. It is immaterial whether the notes were lawful currency of the country or not. The indictment is for robbery. If the notes are of any value the party committing the offense is guilty. No technical description can be given of them and none other should be required.

The judgment is reversed and cause remanded with direction to award a new trial and for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.