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State v. Sibley
Missouri Supreme Court
131 Mo. 519 & 132 Mo. 102 (1895)
- Written by Peggy Chen, JD
Facts
L.D. Sibley (defendant) was accused of raping his stepdaughter Lula Hawkins multiple times when she was 12 and 13 years old. Hawkins became pregnant and delivered a stillborn baby. At trial, Sibley took the stand to testify in his own defense. Sibley denied having sexual relations with Hawkins or being the father of her child. To impeach Sibley’s credibility as a witness, the prosecution called witnesses to testify that Sibley did not have a good reputation for chastity and virtue. Sibley objected to the testimony, but the trial court allowed it. Sibley was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison. Sibley appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Burgess, J.)
Dissent (Gantt, J.)
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