manslaughter instruction (Kentucky) · Go Syfert
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manslaughter instruction in Kentucky

31 Kentucky opinions name it 3 courts 1919–2025 1 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Kentucky courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (11)

CaseFollowedCited
McClellan v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 1986 · cited in 3 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2014–2025
2 sentences

2025Because these lesser- 11 To support a manslaughter instruction based upon extreme emotional disturbance, the evidence must have been such that it could induce a reasonable jury to believe that Appellant acted violently because of “a temporary state of mind so enraged, inflamed, or disturbed as to overcome his judgment, and to cause him to act uncontrollably from an impelling force of the extreme emotional disturbance rather than from evil or malicious purposes.” Holland v. Commonwealth, 466 S.W.3d 493, 503 (Ky. 2019) (quoting McClellan v. Commonwealth, 715 S.W.2d 464 , 468–69 (Ky.1986)). 4 The

2015To support a manslaughter instruction based upon extreme' emotional disturbance, the evidence must have been such that it could induce a reasonable jury to believe that Appellant acted t violently because of “a temporary state of mind so enraged, inflamed, or disturbed as to over come [his] judgment, and to cause [him] to act uncontrollably from [an] impelling force of the extreme emotional disturbance rather than from evil or malicious purposes.” McClellan v. Commonwealth, 715 S.W.2d 464, 468-69 (Ky.1986).

23
Gall v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 1980 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1990–1993
2 sentences

1993Under the instruction for murder, the trial court basically parroted the murder statute, KRS 507.020, by stating that appellant would be guilty of murder if he killed Fred Cash “not while acting under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance for which there was a reasonable justification or excuse under the circumstances as he believed them to be.” The manslaughter instruction instructed the jury to find appellant guilty of manslaughter in the first degree if the jury did not find appellant guilty of murder and the jury finds beyond a reasonable doubt that appellant “killed Charles Fred

1993Under the instruction for murder, the trial court basically parroted the murder statute, KRS 507.020, by stating that appellant would be guilty of murder if he killed Fred Cash "not while acting under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance for which there was a reasonable justification or excuse under the circumstances as he believed them to be." The manslaughter instruction instructed the jury to find appellant guilty of manslaughter in the first degree if the jury did not find appellant guilty of murder and the jury finds beyond a reasonable doubt that appellant "killed Charles Fred

12
Johnston v. Commonwealthgreen
kyctapp · 1916 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1934–1953
2 sentences

1953It is argued Muncy is guilty of murder or nothing and it was reversible error to give the manslaughter instruction, citing Johnston v. Com., 170 Ky. 766 , 186 S.W. 655 .

1953It is argued Muncy is guilty of murder or nothing and it was reversible error to give the manslaughter instruction, citing Johnston v. Com., 170 Ky. 766 , 186 S.W. 655 .

12
Holland v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 2015 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025Because these lesser- 11 To support a manslaughter instruction based upon extreme emotional disturbance, the evidence must have been such that it could induce a reasonable jury to believe that Appellant acted violently because of “a temporary state of mind so enraged, inflamed, or disturbed as to overcome his judgment, and to cause him to act uncontrollably from an impelling force of the extreme emotional disturbance rather than from evil or malicious purposes.” Holland v. Commonwealth, 466 S.W.3d 493, 503 (Ky. 2019) (quoting McClellan v. Commonwealth, 715 S.W.2d 464 , 468–69 (Ky.1986)). 4 The

11
Spears v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 2000 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Extreme emotional disturbance is the successor to the common law concept of “sudden heat of passion.” Spears v. Commonwealth, 30 S.W.3d 152, 154 (Ky.2000).

11
Baze v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 1997 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
2 sentences

2004See Baze v. Commonwealth, Ky., 965 S.W.2d 817 (1997), which held that it is error to require the Commonwealth to prove the presence of extreme emotional disturbance as an element of the offense of first-degree manslaughter. *71 V.

2004See Baze v. Commonwealth, Ky., 965 S.W.2d 817 (1997), which held that it is error to require the Commonwealth to prove the presence of extreme emotional disturbance as an element of the offense of first-degree manslaughter.

11
Smith v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 1987 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
1 sentence

1996The Commonwealth further argues that we should not affirm as the reversal “leads to an absurd result and ... is completely unjustified by the facts of the case.” Smith v. Commonwealth, Ky., 737 S.W.2d 683, 688 (1987).

11
Bowling v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 1994 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
1 sentence

1996Appellant’s claim that the trial court erred in failing to inform the jury that its decision with respect to mitigation did not have to be unanimous was fully resolved in Bowling v. Commonwealth, Ky., 873 S.W.2d 175, 180 (1994).

11
Warnell v. Commonwealthgreen
kyctapp · 1953 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
2 sentences

1993See Warnell v. Commonwealth, Ky., 262 S.W.2d 683 (1953).) At any rate, Warnell presumably raised objection to the manslaughter instruction.

1993See Warnell v. Commonwealth, Ky., 262 S.W.2d 683 (1953).) At any rate, Warnell presumably raised objection to the manslaughter instruction.

11
Wellman v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 1985 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1990–1990
2 sentences

1990See Wellman, supra ; Gall, supra .

1990See Wellman, supra; Gall, supra. Appellant further objects (now) that the trial court in its instructions failed to define reasonable doubt, to state the Commonwealth’s burden of proof, and adequately to inform the jury of the presumption of innocence.

11
Cook v. Commonwealthgreen
kyctapphigh · 1936 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1937–1937
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Kentucky. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (38)

CaseCitedYears
Davenport v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1941
2 sentences

1971Davenport v. Commonwealth, 285 Ky. 628 , 148 S.W.2d 1054 ; Canada v. Commonwealth, 281 Ky. 641 , 136 S.W.2d 1061 .

1971Davenport v. Commonwealth, 285 Ky. 628 , 148 S.W.2d 1054 ; Canada v. Commonwealth, 281 Ky. 641 , 136 S.W.2d 1061 .

31959–1971
Canada v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapphigh · 1940
2 sentences

1971Davenport v. Commonwealth, 285 Ky. 628 , 148 S.W.2d 1054 ; Canada v. Commonwealth, 281 Ky. 641 , 136 S.W.2d 1061 .

1971Davenport v. Commonwealth, 285 Ky. 628 , 148 S.W.2d 1054 ; Canada v. Commonwealth, 281 Ky. 641 , 136 S.W.2d 1061 .

31959–1971
Bast v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapp · 1907
2 sentences

1937Alsoj in the case of Sergent v. Commonwealth, 202 Ky. 228 , 259 S. W. 349, 351 , in discussing the propriety of giving a manslaughter instruction in a ’.homicide case where there were no eyewitnesses and the evidence all circumstantial, the court said: “While there were no visible signs of a struggle having taken place at the spot where the body of Sergent was found with a large hole in the back of his head, the evidence shows that there were footprints in and around and leading down the hillside from it, and further that a fire had been kindled close to the body, the burnt embers being plainl

1937Alsoj in the case of Sergent v. Commonwealth, 202 Ky. 228 , 259 S. W. 349, 351 , in discussing the propriety of giving a manslaughter instruction in a ’.homicide case where there were no eyewitnesses and the evidence all circumstantial, the court said: “While there were no visible signs of a struggle having taken place at the spot where the body of Sergent was found with a large hole in the back of his head, the evidence shows that there were footprints in and around and leading down the hillside from it, and further that a fire had been kindled close to the body, the burnt embers being plainl

31935–1937
Mullins v. Commonwealth green
ky · 2011
1 sentence

2014Id. at 438 .

12014–2014
Osborne v. Commonwealth green
ky · 2001
1 sentence

2011Cf. Caudill v. Commonwealth, 120 S.W.3d 635 (Ky.2003) (holding that a first-degree, intent-to-injure manslaughter instruction was not required where the evidence showed only an intent to kill); Osborne v. Commonwealth, 43 S.W.3d 234 (Ky.2001) (same).

12011–2011
Caudill v. Commonwealth green
ky · 2003
1 sentence

2011Cf. Caudill v. Commonwealth, 120 S.W.3d 635 (Ky.2003) (holding that a first-degree, intent-to-injure manslaughter instruction was not required where the evidence showed only an intent to kill); Osborne v. Commonwealth, 43 S.W.3d 234 (Ky.2001) (same).

12011–2011
Cecil v. Commonwealth green
ky · 1994
1 sentence

1996However, in light of our recent decisions in Cecil v. Commonwealth, Ky., 888 S.W.2d 669 (1994), and Morgan v. Commonwealth, Ky., 878 S.W.2d 18 (1994), the Commonwealth conceded that it was error to instruct on first degree manslaughter.

11996–1996
Morgan v. Commonwealth green
ky · 1994
1 sentence

1996However, in light of our recent decisions in Cecil v. Commonwealth, Ky., 888 S.W.2d 669 (1994), and Morgan v. Commonwealth, Ky., 878 S.W.2d 18 (1994), the Commonwealth conceded that it was error to instruct on first degree manslaughter.

11996–1996
Payne v. Commonwealth green
ky · 1981
2 sentences

1993Under the instruction for murder, the trial court basically parroted the murder statute, KRS 507.020, by stating that appellant would be guilty of murder if he killed Fred Cash “not while acting under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance for which there was a reasonable justification or excuse under the circumstances as he believed them to be.” The manslaughter instruction instructed the jury to find appellant guilty of manslaughter in the first degree if the jury did not find appellant guilty of murder and the jury finds beyond a reasonable doubt that appellant “killed Charles Fred

1993Under the instruction for murder, the trial court basically parroted the murder statute, KRS 507.020, by stating that appellant would be guilty of murder if he killed Fred Cash "not while acting under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance for which there was a reasonable justification or excuse under the circumstances as he believed them to be." The manslaughter instruction instructed the jury to find appellant guilty of manslaughter in the first degree if the jury did not find appellant guilty of murder and the jury finds beyond a reasonable doubt that appellant "killed Charles Fred

11993–1993
Slone v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1931
2 sentences

1974In Perciful v. Commonwealth, 212 Ky. 673 , 279 S.W. 1062 (1925), we said: “In its ordinary acceptation, manslaughter is the unlawful, willful, and felonious killing of another in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, and not in the necessary or apparently necessary self-defense of the slayer. * * * Of course, where there is other and independent evidence tending to show that the killing was done in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, the mere fact that the accused was drunk will not deprive him of a manslaughter instructio

1974In Perciful v. Commonwealth, 212 Ky. 673 , 279 S.W. 1062 (1925), we said: “In its ordinary acceptation, manslaughter is the unlawful, willful, and felonious killing of another in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, and not in the necessary or apparently necessary self-defense of the slayer. * * * Of course, where there is other and independent evidence tending to show that the killing was done in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, the mere fact that the accused was drunk will not deprive him of a manslaughter instructio

11974–1974
Abbott v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1947
2 sentences

1974In Perciful v. Commonwealth, 212 Ky. 673 , 279 S.W. 1062 (1925), we said: “In its ordinary acceptation, manslaughter is the unlawful, willful, and felonious killing of another in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, and not in the necessary or apparently necessary self-defense of the slayer. * * * Of course, where there is other and independent evidence tending to show that the killing was done in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, the mere fact that the accused was drunk will not deprive him of a manslaughter instructio

1974In Perciful v. Commonwealth, 212 Ky. 673 , 279 S.W. 1062 (1925), we said: “In its ordinary acceptation, manslaughter is the unlawful, willful, and felonious killing of another in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, and not in the necessary or apparently necessary self-defense of the slayer. * * * Of course, where there is other and independent evidence tending to show that the killing was done in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, the mere fact that the accused was drunk will not deprive him of a manslaughter instructio

11974–1974
Sewell v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1940
2 sentences

1974There was even less evidence of a struggle in Sewell v. Commonwealth, 284 Ky. 183 , 144 S.W.2d 223 (1940), and in Stanley v. Commonwealth, Ky., 380 S.W.2d 71 (1964), yet a manslaughter instruction or instructions were required in both.

1974There was even less evidence of a struggle in Sewell v. Commonwealth, 284 Ky. 183 , 144 S.W.2d 223 (1940), and in Stanley v. Commonwealth, Ky., 380 S.W.2d 71 (1964), yet a manslaughter instruction or instructions were required in both.

11974–1974
Perciful v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1925
2 sentences

1974In Perciful v. Commonwealth, 212 Ky. 673 , 279 S.W. 1062 (1925), we said: “In its ordinary acceptation, manslaughter is the unlawful, willful, and felonious killing of another in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, and not in the necessary or apparently necessary self-defense of the slayer. * * * Of course, where there is other and independent evidence tending to show that the killing was done in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, the mere fact that the accused was drunk will not deprive him of a manslaughter instructio

1974In Perciful v. Commonwealth, 212 Ky. 673 , 279 S.W. 1062 (1925), we said: “In its ordinary acceptation, manslaughter is the unlawful, willful, and felonious killing of another in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, and not in the necessary or apparently necessary self-defense of the slayer. * * * Of course, where there is other and independent evidence tending to show that the killing was done in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, the mere fact that the accused was drunk will not deprive him of a manslaughter instructio

11974–1974
Stanley v. Commonwealth green
kyctapp · 1964
1 sentence

1974There was even less evidence of a struggle in Sewell v. Commonwealth, 284 Ky. 183 , 144 S.W.2d 223 (1940), and in Stanley v. Commonwealth, Ky., 380 S.W.2d 71 (1964), yet a manslaughter instruction or instructions were required in both.

11974–1974
Blackburn v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapp · 1923
1 sentence

1974In Perciful v. Commonwealth, 212 Ky. 673 , 279 S.W. 1062 (1925), we said: “In its ordinary acceptation, manslaughter is the unlawful, willful, and felonious killing of another in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, and not in the necessary or apparently necessary self-defense of the slayer. * * * Of course, where there is other and independent evidence tending to show that the killing was done in sudden heat of passion or in sudden affray, and without previous malice, the mere fact that the accused was drunk will not deprive him of a manslaughter instructio

11974–1974
Lee v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1959
2 sentences

1965Canada v. Commonwealth, 281 Ky. 641 , 136 S.W.2d 1061 ; Davenport v. Commonwealth, 285 Ky. 628 , 148 S.W.2d 1054 ; and Lee v. Commonwealth, Ky., 329 S.W.2d 57 .

1965Canada v. Commonwealth, 281 Ky. 641 , 136 S.W.2d 1061 ; Davenport v. Commonwealth, 285 Ky. 628 , 148 S.W.2d 1054 ; and Lee v. Commonwealth, Ky., 329 S.W.2d 57 .

11965–1965
Young v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapphigh · 1938
2 sentences

1953Hurd v. Com., 257 Ky. 315 , 78 S.W.2d 9 ; Young v. Com., 276 Ky. 26 , 122 S.W.2d 1034 .

1953Hurd v. Com., 257 Ky. 315 , 78 S.W.2d 9 ; Young v. Com., 276 Ky. 26 , 122 S.W.2d 1034 .

11953–1953
Hurd v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapphigh · 1935
2 sentences

1953Hurd v. Com., 257 Ky. 315 , 78 S.W.2d 9 ; Young v. Com., 276 Ky. 26 , 122 S.W.2d 1034 .

1953Hurd v. Com., 257 Ky. 315 , 78 S.W.2d 9 ; Young v. Com., 276 Ky. 26 , 122 S.W.2d 1034 .

11953–1953
Barnes v. Commonwealth green
kyctapp · 1918
2 sentences

1948Barnes v. Commonwealth, 179 Ky. 725 , 201 S. W. 318 , and cases therein cited.

1948Barnes v. Commonwealth, 179 Ky. 725 , 201 S. W. 318 , and cases therein cited.

11948–1948
Richmond v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1934
11943–1943
Marion v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1937
1 sentence

1943The relationship of the two charged with the commission of the crime is not unlike that which exists in a conspiracy to kill a man, viz., if the parties agreed or conspired to kill him, there is no place for a manslaughter instruction, Marion v. Commonwealth, 269 Ky. 729 , 108 *401 S. W. (2d) 721, and even the right of self-defense is denied.

11943–1943
Spangler v. Hickey neutral
texapp · 1966
11943–1943
House v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1933
11937–1937
Frasure v. Commonwealth green
kyctapp · 1916
11937–1937
King v. Commonwealth green
kyctapp · 1920
11937–1937
Sergent v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapp · 1924
11937–1937
Payne v. Elkin neutral
kyctapp · 1924
11937–1937
Payne v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1934
11936–1936
Centers v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapphigh · 1934
11936–1936
Anderson v. Commonwealth green
· 1922
11936–1936
Rutherford v. Commonwealth green
kyctapp · 1878
11935–1935
Feldman v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapphigh · 1935
11935–1935
Jones v. Commonwealth green
kyctapphigh · 1926
11935–1935
Elliott v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapp · 1913
11935–1935
White v. Commonwealth green
kyctapp · 1907
11927–1927
Taylor v. Commonwealth neutral
kyctapp · 1916
11924–1924
Harris v. Commonwealth green
kyctapp · 1919
11924–1924
Bishop v. Commonwealth neutral
· 1901
11919–1919

Statutes the citing opinions construe

KY § Ky. Rev. Stat. § 507.020 (6) KY § Ky. Rev. Stat. § 532.025 (4) KY § Ky. Rev. Stat. § 507.030 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

MS 208 (1920–2026) IL 118 (1924–2018) MO 90 (1926–2019) MA 78 (1978–2025) CA 71 (1902–2025) FL 71 (1985–2019) TX 40 (1998–2026) KY 31 (1919–2025) AR 26 (1970–2025) WA 24 (1968–2023) MI 23 (1975–2025) AZ 16 (1975–2022) AL 16 (1986–2026) OK 15 (1913–2011) DC 12 (1975–1996) NJ 12 (1980–2025) NM 10 (1972–2024) MD 10 (1986–2023) PA 10 (1996–2023) UT 9 (1988–2022) HI 7 (1978–2002) OR 6 (1924–1991) WI 6 (1973–2000) MN 6 (1982–2024) CO 5 (1967–2025) IN 5 (1973–2006) NE 5 (1984–2023) RI 4 (2002–2013) TN 4 (1998–2018) ME 4 (1976–2019) ND 3 (1985–1997) OH 3 (1992–2022) VT 3 (1994–2012) ID 2 (1999–2000) VA 2 (1999–2003) NV 2 (1958–2020) LA 2 (1999–2001) KS 2 (1969–1995) SD 2 (1992–1993) WY 2 (1985–2015)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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