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Commonwealth v. Knapp

Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts
VII American State Trials 395 (1830)

Facts

Knapp (defendant) was on trial for murder. The prosecution claimed that he aided and abetted another man, Crowninshield, who had actually, physically committed the murder. To prove Knapp’s guilt, the prosecution had to prove Crowninshield’s guilt, but Crowninshield committed suicide prior to trial. The prosecution introduced Crowninshield’s suicide as evidence that he committed the murder.

Rule of Law

The rule of law is the black letter law upon which the court rested its decision.

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning

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  • A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
  • A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
  • The procedural disposition (e.g. reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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