Mose Watson v. S.E. Stone, as Sheriff of Volusia County, Florida.

Summary

The Florida Supreme Court held that Mose Watson's conviction under §7202 of the 1927 Criminal Code was invalid because a pistol stored in the glove compartment of his automobile does not constitute "carrying around with him" or "manual possession" as required by the statute, and therefore discharged him from custody. The Court emphasized strict construction of penal statutes and resolved any ambiguity in favor of the citizen.