Modification of CC 3472 to Reflect Escalation Doctrine
December 11th, 2018
CC 3472 provides as follows: “A person does not have the right to self-defense if he or she provokes a fight or quarrel with the intent to create an excuse to use force.” Under the “plain terms” of this instruction the use of “any amount of ‘force’ entirely preclude[s] [a defendant] from invoking […]
Tags: CC 3471, CC 3472, Sample Instructions, Self Defense
Self Defense: Presumption of Reasonableness Applies Even If Judge Finds That Defendant Was Not Legally Subletting the Residence
August 3rd, 2016
People v. Grays (2016) 246 CA4th 679 held that the trial court erred when it refused to instruct the jury that a person using force within his residence against a person who forcibly enters shall be presumed to have held a reasonable fear of injury to self or another member of the household (PC 198.5). […]
Tags: CC 3470, CC 3477, Self Defense
Self Defense: Escalation of Nondeadly Assault
July 25th, 2016
Where a counter assault to a nondeadly attack is so sudden and perilous that no opportunity is given to “decline further to fight and [the defendant] cannot retreat with safety he is justified in slaying in self-defense.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Salazar (2016) 63 C4th 214, 249.) However, People v. Gleghorn (1987) 193 CA3d 196, 201 […]
Tags: CC 3471, Self Defense
Lawful Performance: Custodial Officer- -Use of “Reasonable” Force
October 23rd, 2015
People v. Gutierrez (2009) 174 Cal. App. 4th 515, identified the following problem with CC 2671: Read literally, [CC 2671] authorizes a custodial officer to use reasonable force in four situations- -“to restrain a person, to overcome resistance, to prevent escape, or in self-defense”- -but erroneously limits to the first situation alone not only […]
Tags: Assaulting Police Officer, CC 2671, Self Defense
Imperfect Self Defense Not Applicable To Shooting At Inhabited House Or Occupied Vehicle
September 7th, 2015
Self Defense and defense of others is applicable to a charge under PC § 246 alleging that the defendant shot at an inhabited house or occupied vehicle. (See CC 965, Bench Notes [judge has a sua sponte duty to instruct].) However, unreasonable self defense is not applicable. (People v. Rodarte (2014) 223 Cal. App. 4th […]
Tags: CC 965, Imperfect Self Defense, Self Defense, Shooting at Inhabited House or Occupied Vehicle
Self Defense: Applicability When Defense Relies On Theory Of Accident
July 24th, 2015
People v. Villanueva (2008) 169 Cal. App.4th 41, 51, disagreed with the Related Issues portion of CC 510. Contrary to CC’s interpretation, People v. Curtis (1994) 30 Cal. App. 4th 1337, 1358-1359, did not categorically foreclose self-defense instructions when a defendant claims a killing was accidental. (See also People v. Elize (1990) 71 Cal. […]
Tags: Accident, CC 510, Defense Theory Instructions, Inconsistent Defense Theories, Self Defense
CC 3471 Is Superfluous When Self Defense Instructions (CC 3470, CC 3472, CC 3474) Are Given
June 5th, 2015
CC 3471, explaining to the jury when a defendant engaged in mutual combat can lawfully use force in self-defense, need not be given when the jury is already being provided standard self defense instructions, such as CC 3470, CC 3472, and CC 3474. As People v. Johnson (2009) 180 Cal. App. 4th 702, explained, […]
Tags: CC 3470, CC 3471, CC 3472, CC 3474, Self Defense
Lawful Performance: Custodial Officer- -Use Of “Reasonable” Force
November 30th, 2014
People v. Gutierrez (2009) 174 Cal. App. 4th 515, identified the following problem with CC 2671: Read literally, [CC 2671] authorizes a custodial officer to use reasonable force in four situations- -“to restrain a person, to overcome resistance, to prevent escape, or in self-defense”- -but erroneously limits to the first situation alone […]
Tags: Assaulting Police Officer, CC 2671, Self Defense
CC Self Defense Instruction Approved
January 20th, 2014
People v. Clark (2011) 201 Cal. App. 4th 235, 250, found that the trial court properly instructed the jury with CC 3470 regarding the principles of self-defense.
Tags: CC 3470, Self Defense