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Miller v. State

Citations: 131 Ga. App. 369; 1974 Ga. App. LEXIS 1425; 206 S.E.2d 98Docket: 49018

Court: Court of Appeals of Georgia; March 4, 1974; Georgia; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

In a case concerning involuntary manslaughter, the court addressed the appropriateness of jury instructions regarding the law of involuntary manslaughter committed in a lawful manner. It was determined that providing an incorrect charge on this law, not supported by evidence, constituted harmless error, given that the defendant was convicted of the specific charge of involuntary manslaughter as indicted. The evidence presented was deemed sufficient to uphold the verdict. The judgment was affirmed, with concurrence from Judges Deen and Stolz. Representation included H. J. Thomas, Jr. for the appellant and Eldridge W. Fleming, District Attorney, along with William F. Lee, Jr. for the appellee.

Legal Issues Addressed

Harmless Error Doctrine

Application: An incorrect jury instruction was deemed harmless because the defendant was convicted of the specific charge as indicted, and the evidence supported the verdict.

Reasoning: It was determined that providing an incorrect charge on this law, not supported by evidence, constituted harmless error, given that the defendant was convicted of the specific charge of involuntary manslaughter as indicted.

Jury Instructions on Involuntary Manslaughter

Application: The court examined whether incorrect jury instructions on involuntary manslaughter, given the manner of its commission in a lawful manner, affected the trial's outcome.

Reasoning: The court addressed the appropriateness of jury instructions regarding the law of involuntary manslaughter committed in a lawful manner.

Sufficiency of Evidence

Application: The court found the evidence presented in the case was sufficient to uphold the conviction of involuntary manslaughter.

Reasoning: The evidence presented was deemed sufficient to uphold the verdict.