People v. George Scott

175 N.W.2d 312, 21 Mich. App. 217, 1970 Mich. App. LEXIS 2077

• Court: Michigan Court of Appeals
• Decided: January 29, 1970
• Docket: Docket 7,193
• Status: Published

Opinion

Per Curiam.

Defendant’s nonjury trial resulted in his conviction of statutory rape; * he was sentenced and he appeals.

Defendant’s first assertion of error is that the trial judge failed to make specific findings of fact that the victim was under 16 years of age and that there was penetration. GOB. 1963, 517.1, requires a trial judge sitting without a jury to make specific findings of fact. This rule is applicable to criminal trials. People v. Martinovich (1969), 18 Mich App 253.

Our review of the record discloses substantial compliance with the rule. At the outset of his Opinion from the bench, the trial judge recited the statute. He then reviewed testimony which disclosed penetration. It was undisputed that the victim was under 16 years of age. The foregoing preceded the court’s pronouncement, “It is the finding of this court that the defendant did commit the act of statutory rape.”

Defendant’s contention that his right of cross-examination was unduly restricted is not sustained by the record.

Defendant’s objection to questions relating to prior acts of intercourse between defendant and the victim was properly overruled. Proof of such prior acts is not error. People v. Lummis (1932), 260 Mich 170.

Affirmed.

* MCLA § 750.520 (Stat Ann 1954 Rev § 28.788).