Wheeler v. United States

159 U.S. 523 (1895)

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Wheeler v. United States

United States Supreme Court
159 U.S. 523 (1895)

SC
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Facts

George Wheeler (defendant) was charged with murder. The child of the victim was almost five years old at the time of the murder. At trial, the prosecution sought to call the child as a witness. The child was five-and-a-half years old at the time of the trial. During voir dire, the child stated that he knew the difference between the truth and a lie, that he would be put in jail if he told a lie, and that he planned to tell the truth. The circuit court permitted the child to testify. Wheeler was convicted. The United States Supreme Court issued a writ of error to review the circuit court’s decision.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Brewer, J.)

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