Dunmore v. State , 115 Ala. 69 ( 1896 )

BRICKELL, C. J.

While the prosecutor and Rice testified to the breaking and entry of the storehouse, and the circumstances may have justified the inference that in the breaking and entry the defendant had the intent to steal, there is not a scintilla of evidence that anything was stolen. The discovery of the defendant on his entry of the house, the alarm given by Rice, the immediate flight of the defendant, negative all just, or rational inference, that there was a consummated larceny. And yet, in the concluding argument to the jury, against the objection of the defendant, the solicitor was permitted to state that three witnesses, who had testified on behalf of defendant, “had gotten part of the stolen goods.” On the suggestion of the court, tlie solicitor said this was his inference from the evidence. Counsel may not in argument to the jury, state as matter of fact, that'of which there is no evidence. Such statement is not within the latitude of discussion, the law accords' to counsel, and is in .itself of evil tendency. Changing the form of the statement into an assertion that it was inferential does not relieve it from impropriety. There is not a fact to be found in the evidence from which the inference could be deduced. When there is a fact in evidence, counsel may urge before the jury the consideration of any inference, however weak or remote, which may arise from it — but the fact is the principal, the inference is the incident, and without the fact can not have existence.—Cross v. State, 68 Ala. 476. The’eiror of the court in this regard, compels a reversal of’ the judgment, without a consideration of the other questions, which will scarcely arise on any future trial.

Let the judgment be reversed and the cause remanded. The defendant will remain in custody until discharged by due course of law. ’ .

Reversed and remanded.