Finley v. California, 222 U.S. 28 (1911)

Finley v. California


No. 15


Argued October 26, 1911
Decided November 6, 1911
222 U.S. 28

ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT
OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Syllabus

Whether a state statute denies equal protection of the laws by reason of classification depends upon whether there is a basis for the classification.

There is a proper basis for classification of punishment for crimes between convicts serving life terms in the state prison and convicts serving lesser terms.

Section 246 of the Penal Code of California inflicting the death penalty for assaults with intent to kill committed by life term convicts in the state prison is not unconstitutional under the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because its provisions are not applicable to convicts serving lesser terms.

153 Cal. 59 affirmed.

The facts, which involve the constitutionality under the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of § 246 of the Penal Code of the California, are stated in the opinion.