Section 25.4 Epithets

• Library: Criminal Practice 2012 Supp

1. (§25.4) Epithets

Epithets are still “ill-advised,” and, if there is no evidentiary basis for an epithet, it can be prejudicial error. State v. Miller, 604 S.W.2d 702 (Mo. App. W.D. 1980).

The courts have permitted referring to the defendant by the following terms:

· A “cold blooded murder[er],” State v. Spencer, 195 S.W.2d 99 (Mo. 1946)

· A “menace,” State v. Benjamin, 309 S.W.2d 602 (Mo. 1958)

· A “dangerous man,” State v. Jones, 227 S.W.2d 713 (Mo. 1950)

· A “drunken killer,” State v. Eison, 271 S.W.2d 571 (Mo. 1954)

· A “vulture,” State v. Hardy, 276 S.W.2d 90 (Mo. banc 1955)

· A “mean punk” and “a vicious man,” State v. Tate, 468 S.W.2d 646 (Mo. 1971)

· A “young punk,” State v. Wallace, 504 S.W.2d 67 (Mo. 1973)

· A “pusher,” State v. Taylor, 508 S.W.2d 506 (Mo. App. E.D. 1974)

· A “professional car thief,” State v. Nichelson, 546 S.W.2d 539 (Mo. App. E.D. 1977)

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