Pruitt v. State
Tennessee Supreme Court
216 Tenn. 686, 393 S.W.2d 747 (1965)
- Written by Darius Dehghan, JD
Facts
David Clarence Pruitt (defendant) killed two pedestrians in an automobile accident. At the police station, Pruitt was given a Breathalyzer test to determine whether he was legally intoxicated. The Breathalyzer test was administered by Officer Ingle, a police officer. First, Pruitt’s alveolar (deep lung) air alcohol content was measured. Next, a mathematical formula was used to convert alveolar air alcohol content to blood alcohol content. However, there was no indication that Ingle understood the mathematical formula. The Breathalyzer test result indicated that Pruitt’s blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit. The trial court admitted the Breathalyzer test result into evidence. Subsequently, Pruitt was convicted of second-degree murder. Pruitt appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (White, J.)
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