Supreme Court of Louisiana, 1983

The court held that Lynch’s prior forgery conviction could not support habitual-offender enhancement because the plea transcript showed he was not advised of his right to remain silent.

The court affirmed Graffagnino’s forcible-rape conviction and sentence after rejecting his claims concerning admission of his statement, sufficiency of the evidence, ineffective assistance of counsel, and sentencing.

The court held that the evidence was sufficient to support Sutton’s convictions for simple robbery, armed robbery, and second degree murder. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, a rational juror could find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt based on Sutton’s palm print on wrappers from the…

The court affirmed Smith’s armed-robbery conviction and 60-year sentence. It held that the officers had reasonable cause to stop him and probable cause to arrest him, that his wife’s consent to search their apartment was voluntary, and that the challenged trial remarks and closing argument did not require a mistrial.

The court held that the wife did not waive the physician-patient privilege or constitutional right to privacy by seeking separation and alimony while asserting that she was free from fault.

The court held that the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the state, was sufficient for a rational factfinder to find forcible rape beyond a reasonable doubt. The victim’s testimony that she did not consent and was overpowered was corroborated by medical and police evidence, and the court declined to…