Samuel Winship Case Study

574 Words2 Pages

IN RE WINSHIP 397 U.S. 358,90 S. C.t.1068, 25 L. Ed. 2d 368 (1970) FACTS A 12 year old stole money from a lady’s wallet that was stored in a locker at the time it was taken. Samuel Winship, the defendant was charged with an act of delinquency. If Samuel was charged as an adult the crime would have be larceny. A New York Family court judge convicted Samuel on a preponderance of evidence, which at the time was all that was necessary according to New York State Statute. At the time of the trial a juvenile in the state of New York was at least seven years old, but younger than 16. Samuel was 12, which by law made him a juvenile that could be charged with an act of delinquency. PROCEDURAL HISTORY Winship was convicted on a preponderance of evidence of stealing one-hundred and twelve dollars from a lavatory locker. The sentencing for Winship’s delinquent act was six years in a reformative setting. While the family court judge felt the level of proof needed to prove guilt was a preponderance of evidence, the supreme court felt higher level of proof was crucial. The United S...

Open Document