Court Opinion

ID: 9628571
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 09:24:48.93992+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:09:30.764294
License: Public Domain

POWELL, Presiding Judge
(concurring).
The evidence at trial was conclusive of the fact that the murder was premeditated. The record indicates the possibility of mental derangement at the time of the murder, but no such plea was made. Such failure at trial precludes a new trial for such purpose, unless there would be other grounds so entitling. People v. Geary, 298 Ill. 236, 131 N.E. 652. The judges of this Court take an oath to uphold the laws of this State. That means that we must do so whether we like a particular law or not. Here, for example, it matters not whether we are for or against capital punishment. So, I find myself, after a-study of Judge Brett’s opinion, having some doubt as to whether the record justifies a modification of the punishment imposed. But, by reason of the matters recited in the opinion, I resolve that doubt in favor of the defendant, and concur in the modification.