Floyd v. State

Unless there be great superiority in physical strength of an assailant, who strikes another a blow with his fist, or ill-health in the assailed at the time, or other circumstance producing relatively great inequality between them in combat, the assailed cannot justifiably resent the blow by stabbing the assailant. The general rule is, that whether the stabbing is in self-defence depends on the nature and violence of the assault made on him who stabs.

Indictment for Stabbing. Motion for new trial. Decided by Judge Holt. Burke Superior Court, November Term, 1860. Floyd stood conversing witb the two Messrs. Brinson. He bad open in his hand such a knife as farmers carry, and was perhaps whittling or cleaning his finger nails. Whilden approached and asked Floyd if he had been accusing him of collecting money for his (Floyd’s) slave and stealing it. Floyd said he did. Immediately Whilden struck Floyd with his fist, and Floyd stabbed him, and pursuing Whilden, who walked backward, continued stabbing him. Whilden drew his knife; Floyd ranWhilden caught him and stabbed him. An interval occurred while each was examining his wounds : Whilden got an axe-helve, ran after Eloyd, (who retreated,) and beat him. The Court charged the jury that, if they found against the defendant the fact of stabbing as alleged in the indictment, they must inquire whether or not the stab was inflicted in defendant’s own defence; that the degree of violence which defendant might use, and the weapon he might employ, must depend upon the nature and violence of the assault. The Court read to the jury the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth sections of the fourth division of the Penal Code, relating to homicide, as the law governing the measure and extent of self-defence in this case. The jury found the defendant guilty. He moved for a new trial upon the grounds— 1st. That the verdict is contrary to law. 2d. That the verdict is strongly and decidedly against the weight of evidence. 3d. That the verdict is contrary to law and evidence. 4th. That the Court erred in charging the jury in manner and form aforesaid. The Court refused the new trial, and defendant excepted.