Case Name: The State of Washington, on the Relation of Dominico Coella, v. W. F. Fenimore, Clerk of the Superior Court of Jefferson County
Court: Washington Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Washington
Decision Date: 1891-05-14
Citations: 2 Wash. 370
Docket Number: No. 134
Parties: The State of Washington, on the Relation of Dominico Coella, v. W. F. Fenimore, Clerk of the Superior Court of Jefferson County.
Judges: Anders, C. J., and Stiles and Scott, JJ., concur.
Reporter: Washington Reports
Volume: 2
Pages: 370–371

Head Matter:
[No. 134.
Decided May 14, 1891.]
The State of Washington, on the Relation of Dominico Coella, v. W. F. Fenimore, Clerk of the Superior Court of Jefferson County.
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW — COSTS ON APPEAL — DEPENDANT WITHOUT MEANS.
A person convicted of murder is entitled, on appeal, to a transcript of tbe record at the expense of the public on showing that he is without means and unable to pay the clerk's fees therefor. (Dunbae, J., dissents.)
Original Application for Mandamus;
John Fairfield, and Daniel Kelleher, for relator.
R. E. Moody, and R. A. Ballinger, for respondent.

Opinion:
The opinion of the court was delivered by
Hoyt, J.
— Relator was convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to death. He gave notice of appeal to this court, and to perfect the same sought to have the clerk transmit a transcript of the record. The clerk declined to do this unless the fees for preparing the same were first paid. Relator thereupon showed that he was without means, and was absolutely unable to pay such fees. Under these circumstances, relator was entitled to such transcript at the expense of the public. The writ of mandamus must issue as prayed.
Anders, C. J., and Stiles and Scott, JJ., concur.