You are viewing a free summary from Descrybe.ai. For citation checking, legal issue analysis, and other advanced tools, explore our Legal Research Toolkit — not free, but close.

Mosley v. State

Citations: 255 Ark. 536; 501 S.W.2d 225; 1973 Ark. LEXIS 1402Docket: CR 73-106

Court: Supreme Court of Arkansas; November 19, 1973; Arkansas; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

In a case involving the conviction of a defendant for voluntary manslaughter, the court affirmed the seven-year prison sentence following an appeal. The incident originated from a chaotic altercation in a bar and pool hall, where a misunderstanding led to a violent brawl. The defendant, observing the victim pulling his hair, retaliated with a pool cue, causing severe injuries that resulted in the victim's death from a subdural hematoma ten days later. Despite the defendant's appeal efforts lacking an abstract or brief, the court thoroughly reviewed the available record and found the evidence sufficient to support the jury's verdict. The Attorney General's motion to affirm the conviction was upheld, as the court identified no reversible errors in the trial proceedings, thereby maintaining the lower court's decision.

Legal Issues Addressed

Appeal on Conviction Without Supporting Brief or Abstract

Application: The defendant appealed the conviction but failed to provide an abstract or brief, and the court proceeded to review the case based on the record alone.

Reasoning: Mosley appealed but submitted no abstract or brief, while the Attorney General supported the state’s motion to affirm based on the record.

Sufficiency of Evidence for Voluntary Manslaughter Conviction

Application: The court reviewed the evidence presented and determined that it was sufficient for the jury to convict the defendant of voluntary manslaughter.

Reasoning: The court concluded that there was sufficient evidence for the jury to reach its verdict, and affirmed the lower court's judgment.