Court Opinion

ID: 9743507
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 21:35:05.310941+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:24:41.684717
License: Public Domain

Concurring Opinion
JACKSON, J.
I concur in the result of the majority opinion only.
This case is one where, in view of the widespread criticism of jury verdicts, court decisions, the so-called “coddling of criminals,” and a general feeling that society is not being adequately protected from the depredations of the criminal by the courts, it appears comment is in order.
In the case at bar there are at least two statutes under which the appellant could have been charged: (a) the one charging the offense of First Degree Burglary on which charge he was tried and convicted, and (b) the offense of entering with intent to commit a felony.
On appeal this court does not weigh the evidence, that being the province of the trial court or jury; further, it is and long has been the policy of this court on appeal to consider only that evidence most favorable to the State. Were it not for these rules, which tilt the scales of justice in favor of the State, many persons charged with and convicted of crime, would, on appeal have to be granted a new trial because of insufficiency of the evidence, or on account of the verdict being-contrary to law by reason of a lack of evidence of probative value sufficient to sustain the State’s burden of proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
It is therefore essential, in the interest of justice, that in criminal prosecutions the preliminary investigations be more thorough, that more care be exercised in the determination of the charge or charges placed and to be placed against the defendant and that the Prosecuting Attorneys prepare their cases with more care.
*614It is painfully apparent that too many cases come on appeal to this court, and to the various Federal Courts, primarily by reason of haste, lack of proper investigation, failure to interview witnesses and carelessness in the preparation and trial of cases at the trial level.
This is by no means intended as a blanket indictment of the investigative or prosecution offices and officers. As a former Prosecuting Attorney I am fully aware of the handicaps, including lack of time, money and manpower, under which they labor. It is clearly apparent that the matters mentioned must be given more attention at the time of, or immediately before the prosecution is instituted if time, money, manpower and the judicial processes are not to be dissipated on unnecessary appeals.
Note. — Reported in 220 N. E. 2d 345.