Opinion ID: 1792208
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Issue: Whether the Indictment Was Legally Sufficient?

Text: Prior to trial, James and Hattie filed a motion through which they contended that the indictment failed to set forth facts which would have sufficiently apprised them of the nature and cause of the accusations against them. Judge Carlson disagreed: I've ... stud[ied] the indictment and the statutes, and, also, the applicable case law and also Rule 2.05 of the Uniform Criminal Rules of Circuit Court Practice ... [and] I'm satisfied the [motion] should be overruled. James and Hattie appealed this decision. Questions regarding the adequacy of indictments are tested by Rule 2.05 of the Uniform Criminal Rules of Circuit Court Practice. Winston v. State, 479 So.2d 1093, 1095 (Miss. 1985). The major purpose of an indictment is to furnish the accused such a description of the charges against him as will enable him to adequately prepare his defense. Williams v. State, 445 So.2d 798, 804 (Miss. 1984) (citing Westmoreland v. State, 246 So.2d 487 (Miss. 1971); Woods v. State, 200 Miss. 527, 27 So.2d 895 (1946)). The description should include a concise and clear statement of the elements of the crime charged. Id. (citing Love v. State, 211 Miss. 606, 52 So.2d 470 (1951)). Nothing more is required. Id.; see Cantrell v. State, 507 So.2d 325, 329 (Miss. 1987) (The rule in this state is that an indictment which states the statutory language is generally sufficient to inform the accused of the charge against him.). This Court has perused the nine-page indictment and concludes that it comported with relevant law  i.e., the Kings were sufficiently apprised of the offenses with which they were charged. The indictment cites and tracks, or quotes, relevant statutory language and, in accordance with Rule 2.05 and case law, it provides a concise description of the essential facts pertaining to each offense. See MISS. CODE ANN. § 97-1-1 (1990 Supp.); id. §§ 97-9-55 & 97-9-5 (1972). In sum, Judge Carlson properly overruled the motion.