This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

On August 17, 1964, someone purchased a .22 caliber handgun from a store in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The store kept a register of sales of handguns. That particular register showed that a Robert, Crosset, Box 210, Las Cruces, 5'9', brown hair, brown eyes. During trial a Dr. Thorp, professor of mathematics testified as to the law of probability. After testimony of his mathematical analysis, the Dr. testified that it was a 240 billion to one chance that a person came into the store that day and impersonated D in the purchase of the handgun. D was convicted and appealed.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.