Harris v. State

189 S.E. 680 (Georgia 1937)

Purchase the Printed Copy at bsmsphd.com

Nature of the Case

To access this section all you need to do is click here and register.

Facts

Harris (D) called Pittman a liar during an argument about a jug. Pittman then struck D twice with hard blows. D then shot the decedent in the thigh, in the stomach, and the shoulder, killing him. D contended that he was struck a third time with a stick over the head, causing him to fall down. D also contended that Pittman was trying to advance upon him in a goat-cart when he fired at Pittman's legs to prevent any further beating. D stated that he did not intend to kill and an involuntary manslaughter instruction should have been given to the jury; it was not. The jury found D guilty of voluntary manslaughter. D appealed.