People v. Moore
Docket: No. 33587
Court: Illinois Supreme Court; September 23, 1955; Illinois; State Supreme Court
John Moore, referred to as the defendant, was convicted of burglary in Cook County on July 20, 1953, and sentenced to two to six years in prison. He appealed the conviction, claiming irregularities during the trial that he argued constituted reversible error. The prosecution presented evidence that Moore entered the apartment of Tommie Williams at night and stole various items, including a radio and clothing. Upon encountering a police officer shortly after the crime, Moore initially claimed that the items were part of a division of property with his estranged wife, but later stated he had purchased them from a stranger, providing vague details. During the trial, the prosecution introduced evidence of Moore’s prior burglary conviction to challenge his credibility. Moore contended that the method used by the State to present this evidence was improper and prejudicial. However, the court found this argument unconvincing. Additionally, the defendant objected to the trial court recalling the jury to provide an omitted instruction, arguing it was improper. The court noted that the jury had not yet begun deliberation nor selected a foreman at the time of the recall. While the additional instruction was significant, the court determined that the procedure did not constitute reversible error. The record indicated clear evidence of Moore's guilt, and the court concluded that he received a fair trial free from substantial errors. The judgment was affirmed.