Opinion ID: 1749824
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Was the verdict of Guilty of Manslaughter supported by the evidence?

Text: The lower court granted a manslaughter instruction at the request of the State, and, while the appellant contends the court was required to grant the manslaughter instruction, he argues that the evidence in the case did not support a conviction for manslaughter and that granting the instruction constitutes error. [4] The facts of this case, as stated, support a conviction of murder or manslaughter. Again, it is elemental that where the evidence supports a charge of murder, the appellant cannot complain of a conviction on the lesser charge of manslaughter, the rationale being that he is fortunate to be convicted of the lesser offense. The Court stated in Huston v. State, 105 Miss. 413, 62 So. 421 (1913): Technically the contention of defendant may be flawless; but practically we think it is without substance or merit... . Upon an indictment charging murder, the person charged may be legally convicted of manslaughter, provided there is evidence justifying the belief that the defendant is guilty of the lesser crime. This is admitted; but it is contended that there was no evidence even tending to prove manslaughter. The reply is that there was abundant evidence to prove murder ... and we are unable to see how he can complain of the instruction on manslaughter, or of the verdict of the jury. [105 Miss. at 419-420, 62 So. at 422]. The lower court committed no error in granting the manslaughter instruction.