Smith v. State
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The Supreme Court reversed Defendant's conviction of being an accessory to both involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault and battery, holding that the district court erred when it refused to instruct the jury on defense of another.
On appeal, Defendant argued that the evidence created a disputed issue of fact as to whether she was an aggressor in the dispute or was acting in defense of the victim throughout the conflict. The Supreme Court agreed, holding (1) defense of another is a recognized defense in this jurisdiction, Defendant's proffered instruction correctly stated the law, and the defense was supported by competent evidence; and (2) therefore, the district court erred when it refused to instruct the jury on defense of another.
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