{ "id": 8628608, "name": "STATE v. JOHN H. HAUSER", "name_abbreviation": "State v. Hauser", "decision_date": "1932-05-18", "docket_number": "", "first_page": "738", "last_page": "741", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "202 N.C. 738" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C.", "id": 9292, "name": "Supreme Court of North Carolina" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "92 S. E., 154", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "61 S. E., 601", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "148 N. C., 37", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11269143 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/148/0037-01" ] }, { "cite": "100 S. E., 519", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "178 N. C., 264", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11272032 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/178/0264-01" ] }, { "cite": "41 S. E., 541", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "130 N. C., 314", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "23 S. E., 277", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "117 N. C., 352", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8653246 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/117/0352-01" ] }, { "cite": "93 N. C., 154", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11272926 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/93/0154-01" ] }, { "cite": "54 S. E., 413", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "141 N. C., 482", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11253446 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/141/0482-01" ] }, { "cite": "16 S. E., 1", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "111 N. C., 176", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "112 N. C., 691", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8651731 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/112/0691-01" ] }, { "cite": "117 N. C., 326", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8653161 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/117/0326-01" ] }, { "cite": "24 S. E., 111", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "118 N. C., 1031", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8654517 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/118/1031-01" ] }, { "cite": "117 S. E., 27", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "185 N. C., 700", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8657667 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/185/0700-01" ] }, { "cite": "86 S. E., 998", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "170 N. C., 94", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8657331 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/170/0094-01" ] }, { "cite": "106 S. E., 818", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "181 N. C., 292", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8655853 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/181/0292-01" ] }, { "cite": "114 S. E., 385", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "184 N. C., 302", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11270248 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/184/0302-01" ] }, { "cite": "47 S. E., 432", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "135 N. C., 287", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8658996 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/135/0287-01" ] }, { "cite": "80 S. E., 72", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "164 N. C., 497", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8658898 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/164/0497-01" ] }, { "cite": "136 S. E., 193", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "193 N. C., 25", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2217673 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/193/0025-01" ] }, { "cite": "149 S. E., 845", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "197 N. C., 547", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8630201 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/197/0547-01" ] }, { "cite": "24 N. C., 78", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8685220 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/24/0078-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 488, "char_count": 7137, "ocr_confidence": 0.453, "pagerank": { "raw": 1.4976971684591987e-07, "percentile": 0.665086072585699 }, "sha256": "2845edf8af9ac4a84038488d19805fde5dc7808517bee078a87ec965a8323496", "simhash": "1:a227e6eb5e00e21f", "word_count": 1264 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T22:38:17.445618+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "STATE v. JOHN H. HAUSER." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "Stact, C. J.\nThe basis of the prisoner\u2019s objection to the testimony of the witnesses Douthit, Graham and Riddle is, that they are non-experts, and, therefore, incompetent to express an opinion on the mental condition of the accused. Authorities may be found for this position (8 R. C. L., 190), but our own decisions point in another direction. Clary v. Clary, 24 N. C., 78. That the evidence in general, pro and con, was competent on the question of alleged felonious intent, or premeditation and deliberation, is not controverted. 1 Wharton\u2019s Grim. Law, p. 85, sec. 64-; Wharton on Homicide (3d ed.), p. 802-803, sec. 538-539; S. v. Wilson, 197 N. C., 547, 149 S. E., 845; S. v. Ross, 193 N. C., 25, 136 S. E., 193; S. v. English, 164 N. C., 497, 80 S. E., 72.\nWithout undertaking to review the cases, which deal with \u201cexpert knowledge in the hands of an inexpert,\u201d we think the opinion evidence of'the witnesses Douthit, .Graham and Riddle invaded the province of the jury, and, for this reason, should have been excluded. Maries v. Cotton Mills, 135 N. C., 287, 47 S. E., 432; Stanley v. Lumber Co., 184 N. C., 302, 114 S. E., 385; Marshall v. Tel. Co., 181 N. C., 292, 106 S. E., 818; Kerner v. R. R., 170 N. C., 94, 86 S. E., 998.\nAlmost the identical question here presented arose in the case of S. v. Journegan, 185 N. C., 700, 117 S. E., 27, where the following questions were held to be incompetent: \u201cIn your opinion, do you think that Journegan has sense enough to operate a blockade still?\u201d And further: \u201cDo you think, on 12 December, 1922, Journegan had sufficient mental capacity to operate a still, and to know it was wrong to do it ?\u201d The defendant was charged with the unlawful manufacture of spirituous liquors and with operating a distillery. Ciarle, C. J., delivering the \u2022opinion of the- Court, said: \u201cIt would lead to strange results if the precedent were set in this case that a witness could testify whether in his opinion a man who committed forgery had 'sufficient mental capacity to do this and understand that it was wrong\u2019; or whether a man guilty of homicide by the use of a deadly weapon had 'mental capacity to use a deadly weapon, and to know it was wrong to kill.\u2019 . . . There is no precedent in the books to ask as to the mental capacity to commit any particular crime.\u201d\nAgain, in Tillett v. R. R., 118 N. C., 1031 (at p. 1042), 24 S. E., 111, Avery J., speaking for the Court, said: \u201cWhen, therefore, the witness was asked to state whether a car was coupled in a negligent manner, the question was calculated to elicit an ojdnion upon one of the very questions which the jury were empaneled to. decide, and the objection to its competentcy, being in apt time, was properly sustained. Smith v. Smith, 117 N. C., 326; Wolf v. Arthur, 112 N. C., 691.\u201d\nIt has been Held competent for a witness to give bis opinion as to whether a person is a Negro (Hopkins v. Bowers, 111 N. C., 176, 16 S. E., 1), or whether his appearance indicates the presence of Negro blood in his veins (Gilliland v. Board of Education, 141 N. C., 482, 54 S. E., 413); also as to the mental state of a party (McRae v. Malloy, 93 N. C., 154; Sherrill v. Tel. Co., 117 N. C., 352, 23 S. E., 277),.but in the instant case the witnesses were asked to express their opinions upon the very question, or one of the questions, which the jury was empaneled to decide. \u2022 \u201cThe general rule undoubtedly is that witnesses are restricted to proof of facts, within their personal knowledge, and may not express their opinion or judgment as to matters which the jury or the court are required to determine.\u201d 1 Rice on Evidence, 325, quoted with approval in Cogdell v. R. R., 130 N. C., 314, 41 S. E., 541. There are, of course, exceptions to this general rule of evidence, but the present case falls within none of them. Barnes v. R. R., 178 N. C., 264, 100 S. E., 519; Britt v. R. R., 148 N. C., 37, 61 S. E., 601.\nFor the errors, as indicated, in admitting incompetent evidence, the prisoner, is entitled to a new trial. It is so ordered.\nNew trial.", "type": "majority", "author": "Stact, C. J." } ], "attorneys": [ "Attorney-General Brummiit and Assistant Attorney-General Seawell for the State.", "A. T. Grant and Manly, Hendren & Wornble for defendant." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "STATE v. JOHN H. HAUSER.\n(Filed 18 May, 1932.)\nCriminal law G i \u2014 Opinion evidence in this case held to invade province of jury and its admission over defendant\u2019s objection was error.\nWhere, in a prosecution for murder in the first degree, the defendant pleads mental incapacity to premeditate or deliberate, and introduces supporting evidence, the question is for the jury to determine, and testimony to the effect that the defendant did have mental capacity to plan a murder and carry the plan, into execution is an invasion of the province of the jury, and its admission over the prisoner\u2019s exception constitutes reversible error, evidence of this character being limited to the general mental capacity of the defendant. As to whether a witness who has not qualified as an expert may be permitted to give evidence of this character, quceref\nAppeal by defendant from Clement, J., at August Term, 1931, of Davie.\nCriminal prosecution tried upon an indictment charging the prisoner with the murder of one Fred S. Styers.\nThe prisoner is a farmer, 82 years of age, \u201cfeeble, decrepit and lame,\u201d living in Davie County. On 28 May, 1931, be shot and killed Ms son-in-law, Fred Styers, a strong and vigorous young man, 35 years of age. The prisoner\u2019s plea was that of self-defense, and mental incapacity to premeditate or plan a murder. He offered expert testimony tending to show that be was suffering witb \u201csenile dementia, ebronic myocarditis, Mgh-blood pressure, enlargement of tbe heart, hardening of the arteries, partial blindness and lameness,\u201d by reason of which, in the opinion of the witnesses, he was incapable of premeditation and deliberation.\nIn rebuttal, the State offered a number of lay witnesses who testified that in their opinion the prisoner could distinguish good from evil and that he knew the difference between right and wrong. 8. v. Terry, 173 N. 0., 761, 92 S. E., 154.\nThen, the following questions were propounded to said witnesses, to which the prisoner in apt time objected:\n\u201cQ. Mr. Douthit, in your opinion did the accused have sufficient mental capacity to plan a murder and then carry it into execution? (Objection; overruled; exception.)\n\u201cA. Well, I think \u2014 yes, sir; he could make a plan ahead of time and go ahead and do it all right.\u201d\n\u201cQ. Mr. Graham, have you an opinion as to whether John Henry Hauser has the mental capacity to plan a murder and then commit it, execute the plan? (Objection; overruled; exception.)\n\u201cA. I think he had sufficient mind to plan a thing and then execute it.\u201d\n\u201cQ. Mr. Eiddle, from your observation of Mr. Hauser prior to the homicide, have you an opinion satisfactory to yourself as to whether or not John Henry Hauser has sufficient mental capacity, that is to say, mind or reason to plan a murder and then execute it? (Objection; overruled; exception.)\n\u201cA. I think he did.\u201d\nVerdict: Guilty of murder in the first degree.\nJudgment: Death by electrocution.\nThe prisoner appeals, assigning errors.\nAttorney-General Brummiit and Assistant Attorney-General Seawell for the State.\nA. T. Grant and Manly, Hendren & Wornble for defendant." }, "file_name": "0738-01", "first_page_order": 804, "last_page_order": 807 }