Case Overviews

People v. Zackowitz (1930)

Facts:

Some young men who were working on a car insulted a woman passerby. D, the passerby’s husband, became enraged and shot one of the young men during an ensuing fight.

Issue:

Is evidence of a defendant’s character admissible at criminal trial?

Rule:

Evidence of a defendant’s character is not admissible at criminal trial unless the defendant puts his character at issue.

Dissent:

Possession of dangerous weapons should be admissible whether a defendant stores them at his house or on his person.