(DOWNLOAD) "People V. Collins" by Supreme Court Of California In Bank ~ Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: People V. Collins
- Author : Supreme Court Of California In Bank
- Release Date : January 11, 1968
- Genre: Law,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 67 KB
Description
SULLIVAN, J. We deal here with the novel question whether evidence of mathematical probability has been properly introduced and used by the prosecution in a criminal case. While we discern no inherent incompatibility between the disciplines of law and mathematics and intend no general disapproval or disparagement of the latter as an auxiliary in the fact-finding processes of the former, we cannot uphold the technique employed in the instant case. As we explain in detail, infra, the testimony as to mathematical probability infected the case with fatal error and distorted the jury's traditional role of determining guilt or innocence according to long-settled rules. Mathematics, a veritable sorcerer in our computerized society, while assisting the trier of fact in the search for truth, must not cast a spell over him. We conclude that on the record before us defendant should not have had his guilt determined by the odds and that he is entitled to a new trial. We reverse the judgment.