Floyd v. State, 84 S.E. 971 (Ga. 1915). · Go Syfert
Floyd v. State, 84 S.E. 971 (Ga. 1915). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
139 citation events (2 in the last 25 years) across 3 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Jenkins v. State (gactapp, 1996-10-11)
Treatment trajectory · 1915 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1915 1970 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 33 distinct citers.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jenkins v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1996 · confidence medium
In his last enumeration of error, defendant contends the trial court erred in denying his motion for mistrial after the State’s attorney injected, during closing argument, that he was under the influence of alcohol during trial. “[T]he wide range of discussion permitted in closing argument does have its limitations, the first and foremost of which is the longstanding prohibition against ‘ “the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” ’ Conner v. State, 251 Ga. 113 (6) ( 303 SE2d 266 ) (1983), quoting Floyd v. State, 143 …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bell v. State (2×)
Ga. · 1994 · confidence medium
We take this opportunity to reiterate that the wide range of discussion permitted in closing argument does have its limitations, the first and foremost of which is the longstanding prohibition against "`the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.'" Conner v. State, 251 Ga. 113 (6) ( 303 SE2d 266 ) (1983), quoting Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 SE 971 ) (1915).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Cooper v. State (2×)
Ga. · 1990 · confidence medium
In fact, citing Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 SE 971 ) (1915), the court noted that "`[w]hat the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.'" 251 Ga. at 123 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hall v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1986 · confidence medium
“In the absence of anything to the contrary, the [district attorney’s] remarks will be regarded as a deduction from the evidence.” Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 SE 971 ) (1915).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hendry v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1986 · confidence medium
The prosecutor may make every effort to persuade, based on the evidence presented to the jury, but he may not do so by adding his opinion to the evidentiary ingredients which the jury must weigh. “ ‘What the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.’ Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 SE 971 ) (1915).” Conner v. State, 251 Ga. 113, 123 ( 303 SE2d 266 ) (1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Conner v. State
Ga. · 1983 · confidence medium
“What the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 SE 971 ) (1915).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kates v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1979 · confidence medium
Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 287 (5) ( 84 SE 971 ); Iler v. State, 139 Ga. App. 743, 744 ( 229 SE2d 543 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ruffin v. State
Ga. · 1979 · confidence medium
What the law condemns is "the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” Floyd, v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 SE 971 ) (1915).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Iler v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1976 · confidence medium
Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 287 (5) ( 84 SE 971 ); Bivins v. State, 72 Ga. App. 306 ( 33 SE2d 745 ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bryan v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1976 · confidence medium
In the absence of anything to the contrary, the solicitor’s remarks will be regarded as a deduction from the evidence. [Cits.] What the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial *174 matters which have no basis in the evidence.” Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 SE 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Law v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1970 · confidence medium
Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 288 ( 84 SE 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Dozier v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1969 · confidence medium
What the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 SE 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Anderson v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1961 · confidence medium
Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 288 (5) ( 84 S. E. 971 ); Hunt v. State, 64 Ga. App. 324, 325 (2) ( 13 S. E. 2d 121 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) White v. State
Ga. · 1954 · confidence medium
What the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” Floyd, v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Pressley v. State
Ga. · 1950 · confidence medium
Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Byrd v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1949 · confidence medium
Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ); Johnson v. State, 72 Ga. App. 534, 537 ( 34 S. E. 2d, 555 ).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Loomis v. State (3×) also: Cited "see"
Ga. Ct. App. · 1948 · confidence medium
On the other hand, if the statement is an expression of the personal opinion of the prosecuting attorney in a criminal case that the defendant is guilty, this is error, and it must be presumed to be prejudicial error, because cases can be imagined where counsel might be engaged for the prosecution whose personal opinion would have such weight with the jury as to unduly affect their finding upon the facts, or if the argument is such, although deducible from some of the evidence, as to address itself unfairly to passion or prejudice . . this . . argument is not legitimate.” See also Broznack v…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Southern Stages Inc. v. Brown
Ga. Ct. App. · 1948 · confidence medium
Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Garrett v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1947 · confidence medium
“What the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ); Mitchell v. State, 38 Ga. App. 360 (2) ( 144 S. E. 15 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Johnson v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1945 · confidence medium
Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bivins v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1945 · confidence medium
The Supreme Court in Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ), stated: “In a prosecution for a homicide a statement by the prosecuting attorney in his argument, expressive of his opinion of the defendant’s guilt, and his characterization of the crime as being diabolical, should be construed to mean that the testimony led him to this conclusion.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Cammons v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1939 · confidence medium
Under the foregoing, rulings, the court did not err in refusing to rebuke the solicitor, or in refusing to instruct the jury to disregard the argument of counsel, for “What the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mitchell v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1928 · confidence medium
What the lane condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” (Italics ours.) Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Biggers v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1917 · confidence medium
What the law condemns-is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Seaboard Air-Line Railway v. Horning
Ga. Ct. App. · 1916 · confidence medium
“What the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence.” Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sutton v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1916 · confidence medium
Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mitchell v. State
Ga. Ct. App. · 1915 · confidence medium
Manning v. State, 13 Ga. App. 709 ( 79 S. E. 905 ). | See also, Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 289 ( 84 S. E. 971 ).
discussed Cited "see" Jones v. State (2×)
Ga. · 1979 · signal: see · confidence high
See Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 287 (5) ( 84 SE 971 ) (1915). 4 We find no merit in defendant’s seventh enumeration of error. 8.
discussed Cited "see" King v. State (2×)
Ga. · 1973 · signal: see · confidence high
See Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286 (2) ( 84 SE 971 ); Hill v. State, 161 Ga. 188 (2) ( 129 SE 647 ); Wilson v. State, 173 Ga. 275 ( 160 SE 319 ); Thornton v. State, 209 Ga. 51 (2) ( 70 SE2d 733 ).’ Williams v. State, 223 Ga. 773, 774 ( 158 SE2d 373 ).” Katzensky v. State, 228 Ga. 6 (1) ( 183 SE2d 749 ).
examined Cited "see" Townsend v. State (4×)
Ga. Ct. App. · 1972 · signal: see · confidence high
See Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286, 287 ( 84 SE 971 ); Simmons v. State, 79 Ga. 696 (1) ( 4 SE 894 ); Gates v. State, 120 Ga. App. 518 (2) ( 171 SE2d 375 ); Weldon v. State, 84 Ga. App. 634 . 635 ( 66 SE2d 920 ).
discussed Cited "see" Katzensky v. State (2×)
Ga. · 1971 · signal: see · confidence high
See Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286 (2) ( 84 SE 971 ); Hill v. State, 161 Ga. 188 (2) ( 129 SE 647 ); Wilson v. State, 173 Ga. 275 (2) ( 160 SE 319 ); Thornton v. State, 209 Ga. 51 (2) ( 70 SE2d 733 ).” Williams v. State, 223 Ga. 773, 774 ( 158 SE2d 373 ).
discussed Cited "see" Williams v. State (2×)
Ga. · 1967 · signal: see · confidence high
See Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286 (2) ( 84 SE 971 ); Hill v. State, 161 Ga. 188 (2) ( 129 SE 647 ); Wilson v. State, 173 Ga. 275 (2) ( 160 SE 319 ); Thornton v. State, 209 Ga. 51 (2) ( 70 SE2d 733 ).
discussed Cited "see" Blackston v. State (2×)
Ga. · 1952 · signal: see · confidence high
See Floyd v. State, 143 Ga. 286 ( 84 S. E. 971 ); Barker v. State, 188 Ga. 332 ( 4 S. E. 2d, 31 ); Jones v. State, 197 Ga. 604 ( 30 S. E. 2d, 192 ). 4.
FLOYD
v.
State
Supreme Court of Georgia.
Mar 9, 1915.
84 S.E. 971
Charles G. Reynolds, Leroy Cowart, and J. McSwain Woods, for plaintiff in error., Warren Grice, attorney-general, R. Lee Moore, solicitor-general, and A. L. Henson, contra.
Evans.
Cited by 70 opinions  |  Published
Evans, P. J.

1. The plaintiff in error was convicted of the murder of Berta Perdue, in the superior court of Jenkins county. In his writ of error complaint is made that various steps in the trial were illegal, because it was conducted by the solicitor-general of the Middle circuit, after the passage of the act transferring Jenkins county from the Middle to the Augusta circuit. The various demurrers, motions, and pleas of the plaintiff in error on this subject are substantially the same as were made in the case of Godbee v. State, 141 Ga. 515 (81 S. E. 876), and are controlled by the rulings made in that case.

2. The testimony introduced by the prosecution tended to show that the defendant went to the house of a friend of the deceased, where the deceased was on the porch engaged in combing the hair of a child of her host. When he reached the gate of the yard he called to the deceased to come to him, and said he wished to tell her something. The deceased replied that she would come when she had finished combing the child’s hair. The defendant repeated his demand, and the deceased made the same reply. The defendant then said, “I have got to go off,” and the deceased said, “I will hear it when you come back.” The defendant said, “I aint going off,” jumped upon the porch, threw the deceased down, and beat her with his fists. He jerked her down the steps and seized a long-tooth iron rake and struck her over the head several times with it. In striking hey with the rake he broke the handle, threw down the broken piece, and walked through the gate; then immediately turned round, came into the yard, and discharged his pistol three times into her prostrate body. The eye-witnesses testified that the[*288] tines of the rake penetrated the skull, and that the -woman was dead when he fired his pistol at her body. The defendant moved to reject the testimony relating to the shooting, on the ground that the woman was dead when he shot her body. The court refused the motion. There was no error in so doing. The indictment charged the murder as having been caused “by beating the said Berta Per-due with a certain farming tool commonly called a rake, and by shooting said Berta Perdue with a pistol.” The beating of the victim with a rake and discharging his pistol into her prostrate body were the defendant’s continuous acts,- and everything that was done at the time of the homicide entered into the res gestae of the transaction. Moreover, the firing of the pistol into her lifeless body tended to illustrate his state of mind, and that his whole conduct was inspired by an abandoned and malignant heart.

3. Preliminary to his instruction on the law of justifiable homicide, the court read to the jury.in its entirety section 70 of the Penal Code. Exception is taken to the reading of so much of that section as relates to justifiable homicide to prevent a forcible invasion of habitation, as being inapplicable to the facts. The criticism is well taken, but the error is harmless. The court should have read only so much of the section as related to homicide in self-defense, or in defense of person against an impending felony. But the defendant could not possibly have been harmed by reading the whole section. At most, he was given the benefit of an instruction upon a phase of justifiable homicide to which he was not entitled, and which in no wise prejudiced his case. See Brown v. State, 125 Ga. 281 (54 S. E. 162).

4. The court prefaced his instruction relative to the prisoner’s statement as follows: “Now the defendant ,in this case has appeared before you and made a statement in explanation of the charge made and alleged in the indictment against him.” The prefatory remark of the judge is contended to have had the effect of leading the jury'to believe that the defendant admitted the charge as alleged in the indictment, and was trying to explain it away. We think the criticism hypercritical, especially in view of the fact that the court immediately followed up the remark with a full and correct instruction, concerning the law of the prisoner’s statement, as contained in the Penal Code, § 1036.

5. Counsel for the accused moved for a mistrial, on the ground[*289] tliat' the solicitor-general had declared in his argument to the jury that in his opinion the defendant was guilty of a most diabolical crime. When the motion was made, the solicitor-general stated that if he had expressed his opinion to the jury he would withdraw i t. Thereupon the court admonished the jury to disregard the personal opinion of the solicitor-general, and refused to declare a mistrial. In a prosecution for a homicide, a statement hy the prosecuting attorney in his argument, expressive of his opinion of the defendant’s guilt, and his characterization of the crime as being diabolical, should be construed to mean that the testimony led him to this conclusion, and that the jury should reach the same conclusion. In the absence of anything to the contrary, the solicitor’s remarks will be regarded as a deduction from the evidence. State v. Armstrong, 37 Wash. 51 (79 Pac. 490); Thacker v. State, 3 Okla. Cr. 485 (106 Pac. 986); Valentine v. State, 108 Ark. 594 (159 S. W. 26). What the law condemns is the injection into the argument of extrinsic and prejudicial matters which have no basis in the evidence. Thus, in Broznack v. State, 109 Ga. 514 (35 S. E. 133), counsel employed to assist in -the prosecution declared in the course of his argument that “he would not appear in the case if he did not believe the defendant to be as guilty as any man that was ever tried in the court-house.” This was an assertion of the conclusion he had reached when he was employed as counsel, — a conclusion clearly not referable to the evidence adduced on the trial. Had there been room for any misapprehension on the part of the jury in this case, as to whether the statement was made as a deduction from the evidence, or as an effort to introduce a substantive fact outside of the evidence, the withdrawal of the remark by counsel and the ruling of the court obviated the danger.

6. Though requested in writing, the court refused to give the following charge: “I charge you that if the defendant was, at the timé of the commission of the alleged crime,* insane to such an extent that he did not know right from wrong, he would not be legally responsible for his acts, and you would be bound to acquit him. I charge you further that if the accused did have sufficient reason to distinguish between right and wrong; if his will, in consequence of some delusion brought about by mental disease, was overmastered so that there was no criminal intent as to the act in question, and if it also appears that the killing was connected with[*290] the peculiar delusion under which the accused was laboring, you should find him not guilty.” In the assignment of error it is contended that such charge was authorized by the statement of the accused, that “ About seven years ago I was hit on the head with the sweep of a timber cart, and at times I didn’t know what I was doing. The woman had worried me so about living with her until I was very near crazy, and I could not have helped killing her if I had wanted to.” This statement was wholly insufficient to raise the issue of either total or delusional insanity. The defendant began his statement to the jury by declaring that he had “lived with this woman as a husband of hers.” And it is clearly inferable from the record that the motive for the homicide was the deceased’s termination of her illicit relations with the accused. The defendant in his statement claimed that the deceased was advancing upon him with a knife, and that he struck her with the rake and shot her with the pistol in defense of his person. The isolated statement that several years ago he had sustained a wound, and that at times he did not know what he was doing, is utterly insufficient to raise the defense of insanity.

7. Several excerpts from the charge are criticised, but, when considered in connection with their context, they are not open to the criticism made against them. The requests to charge, in so far as they were pertinent and legal, were covered by the general charge. The evidence warranted the verdict, and there was no abuse of discretion in refusing a new trial.'

Judgment affirmed.

All the Justices concur, except Fish, C. J., absent.