Verdict as to degree of crime--Lowest degree found on reasonable doubt

Whenever a crime is distinguished by degrees, a jury, if it convicts an accused, shall find the degree of the crime of which he is guilty and include that finding in its verdict. When there is a reasonable ground of doubt as to which of two or more degrees an accused is guilty, he can be convicted of only the lowest degree. Source: SDC 1939, § 13.0104; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, §§ 34.3635, 34.3671; SDCL, §§ 23-44-6, 23-45-22; SL 1978, ch 178 , § 325.