voluntary manslaughter instruction in Kentucky

29 Kentucky opinions name it 3 courts 1934–2011 0 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 (5)

Case	Followed	Cited
State v. Richgreen md · 2010 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011 2 sentences 2011Applying that approach to a case very much like this one, in which the defendant requested a manslaughter instruction as a lesser offense, was convicted of manslaughter, and then appealed on the ground that the manslaughter evidence was insufficient, the Court of Appeals of Maryland held that the defendant’s “specific request for a voluntary manslaughter instruction ... constituted an intentional waiver of the right to argue on appeal that the evidence was insufficient to support the voluntary manslaughter conviction.” State v. Rich, 415 Md. 567 , 3 A.3d 1210, 1218 (2010). 2011Applying that approach to a case very much like this one, in which the defendant requested a manslaughter instruction as a lesser offense, was convicted of manslaughter, and then appealed on the ground that the manslaughter evidence was insufficient, the Court of Appeals of Maryland held that the defendant’s “specific request for a voluntary manslaughter instruction ... constituted an intentional waiver of the right to argue on appeal that the evidence was insufficient to support the voluntary manslaughter conviction.” State v. Rich, 415 Md. 567 , 3 A.3d 1210, 1218 (2010).	1	1
Elmore v. Commonwealthgreen kyctapphigh · 1975 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000 2 sentences 2000Therefore, Richards was not entitled to an instruction on voluntary manslaughter regardless of his drunkenness at the time he shot Carter." Id. ); Elmore v. Commonwealth, Ky., 520 S.W.2d 328, 331 (1975) (Conviction under voluntary manslaughter 290 instruction given as lesser included offense in murder indictment reversed because "the giving of a voluntary manslaughter instruction is proper only in those instances where there is evidence that will support the giving of the instruction." Id. ). 2000*Therefore, Richards was not entitled to an instruction on voluntary manslaughter regardless of his drunkenness at the time he shot Carter.” Id.); Elmore v. Commonwealth, Ky., 520 S.W.2d 328, 331 (1975) (Conviction under voluntary man slaughter instruction given as lesser included offense in murder indictment reversed because “the giving of a voluntary manslaughter instruction is proper only in those instances where there is evidence that will support the giving of the instruction.” Id.).	1	1
Moore v. Commonwealthgreen ky · 1988 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992 2 sentences 1992But we have also stated that "the circumstances of voluntary intoxication, standing alone, will never require a voluntary manslaughter instruction." Moore v. Commonwealth, Ky., 771 S.W.2d 34, 36 (1988), cert. denied, 494 U.S. 1060 , 110 S.Ct. 1536 , 108 L.Ed.2d 774 (1990). 1992But we have also stated that “the circumstances of voluntary intoxication, standing alone, will never require a voluntary manslaughter instruction.” Moore v. Commonwealth, Ky., 771 S.W.2d 34, 36 (1988), cert. denied, 494 U.S. 1060 , 110 S.Ct. 1536 , 108 L.Ed.2d 774 (1990).	1	1
Lee v. Commonwealthgreen kyctapphigh · 1959 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1967–1967 1 sentence 1967See Lee v. Commonwealth, Ky., 329 S.W.2d 57 (1959).	1	1
Ewing v. Commonwealthgreen kyctapp · 1908 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1958–1958 1 sentence 1958See Ewing v. Commonwealth, 129 Ky. 237 , 111 S.W. 352 , 33 Ky.Law Rep. 749; See also Stanley’s Instructions to Juries, section 868, notes 29-36, but we have found no case wherein we have approved such a definition in a voluntary manslaughter instruction.	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (38)

Case	Cited	Years
Richards v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1974 2 sentences 2000Therefore, Richards was not entitled to an instruction on voluntary manslaughter regardless of his drunkenness at the time he shot Carter." Id. ); Elmore v. Commonwealth, Ky., 520 S.W.2d 328, 331 (1975) (Conviction under voluntary manslaughter 290 instruction given as lesser included offense in murder indictment reversed because "the giving of a voluntary manslaughter instruction is proper only in those instances where there is evidence that will support the giving of the instruction." Id. ). 1988*Richards v. Commonwealth, Ky., 517 S.W.2d 237 (1975).	3	1975–2000
Cox v. Commonwealth green kyctapp · 1973 2 sentences 1975Cf. Thorpe v. Commonwealth, 301 Ky. 541 , 191 S.W.2d 572 (1946); Trimble v. Commonwealth, Ky., 447 S.W. 2d 348 (1969); Cox v. Commonwealth, Ky., 491 S.W.2d 834 (1973); Richards v. Commonwealth, Ky., 517 S.W.2d 237 (1974). 1975Cf. Thorpe v. Commonwealth, 301 Ky. 541 , 191 S.W.2d 572 (1946); Trimble v. Commonwealth, Ky., 447 S.W.2d 348 (1969); Cox v. Commonwealth, Ky., 491 S.W.2d 834 (1973); Richards v. Commonwealth, Ky., 517 S.W.2d 237 (1974).	2	1974–1975
Cottrell v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1937 2 sentences 1971The Commonwealth contends that the court properly gave the voluntary manslaughter instruction and cites Marcum v. Commonwealth, 305 Ky. 92 , 202 S.W.2d 1012 ; Cottrell v. Commonwealth, 271 Ky. 52 , 111 S.W.2d 445 ; and Fitch v. Commonwealth, 267 Ky. 646 , 103 S.W.2d 98 . 1971The Commonwealth contends that the court properly gave the voluntary manslaughter instruction and cites Marcum v. Commonwealth, 305 Ky. 92 , 202 S.W.2d 1012 ; Cottrell v. Commonwealth, 271 Ky. 52 , 111 S.W.2d 445 ; and Fitch v. Commonwealth, 267 Ky. 646 , 103 S.W.2d 98 .	2	1953–1971
Harris v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1965 2 sentences 1969In Harris v. Commonwealth, Ky., 389 S.W.2d 907 , this court reversed a murder conviction for failure of the trial court to give a voluntary manslaughter instruction even though the defendant claimed alibi as his defense. 1967Upon a former trial he had been convicted of murder and given a life sentence, but that conviction was reversed by this Court in Harris v. Commonwealth, Ky., 389 S.W. 2d 907 , for failure to give a voluntary manslaughter instruction.	2	1967–1969
Daggit v. Commonwealth neutral · 1951 2 sentences 1967Our attention is “invited” to Daggit v. Commonwealth, Ky., 237 S.W.2d 49 . 1959Reliance is placed by appellant on Daggit v. Commonwealth, 314 Ky. 721 , 237 S.W.2d 49 .	2	1959–1967
Johnston v. Commonwealth green kyctapp · 1916 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 .	2	1935–1953
Major v. United States green scotus · 1990 2 sentences 1992But we have also stated that "the circumstances of voluntary intoxication, standing alone, will never require a voluntary manslaughter instruction." Moore v. Commonwealth, Ky., 771 S.W.2d 34, 36 (1988), cert. denied, 494 U.S. 1060 , 110 S.Ct. 1536 , 108 L.Ed.2d 774 (1990). 1992But we have also stated that “the circumstances of voluntary intoxication, standing alone, will never require a voluntary manslaughter instruction.” Moore v. Commonwealth, Ky., 771 S.W.2d 34, 36 (1988), cert. denied, 494 U.S. 1060 , 110 S.Ct. 1536 , 108 L.Ed.2d 774 (1990).	1	1992–1992
Thorpe v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1945 2 sentences 1975Cf. Thorpe v. Commonwealth, 301 Ky. 541 , 191 S.W.2d 572 (1946); Trimble v. Commonwealth, Ky., 447 S.W. 2d 348 (1969); Cox v. Commonwealth, Ky., 491 S.W.2d 834 (1973); Richards v. Commonwealth, Ky., 517 S.W.2d 237 (1974). 1975Cf. Thorpe v. Commonwealth, 301 Ky. 541 , 191 S.W.2d 572 (1946); Trimble v. Commonwealth, Ky., 447 S.W. 2d 348 (1969); Cox v. Commonwealth, Ky., 491 S.W.2d 834 (1973); Richards v. Commonwealth, Ky., 517 S.W.2d 237 (1974).	1	1975–1975
Trimble v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1969 2 sentences 1975Cf. Thorpe v. Commonwealth, 301 Ky. 541 , 191 S.W.2d 572 (1946); Trimble v. Commonwealth, Ky., 447 S.W. 2d 348 (1969); Cox v. Commonwealth, Ky., 491 S.W.2d 834 (1973); Richards v. Commonwealth, Ky., 517 S.W.2d 237 (1974). 1975Cf. Thorpe v. Commonwealth, 301 Ky. 541 , 191 S.W.2d 572 (1946); Trimble v. Commonwealth, Ky., 447 S.W.2d 348 (1969); Cox v. Commonwealth, Ky., 491 S.W.2d 834 (1973); Richards v. Commonwealth, Ky., 517 S.W.2d 237 (1974).	1	1975–1975
Hall v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapphigh · 1935 2 sentences 1974In other words, it must amount virtually to insanity.” Hall v. Commonwealth, 258 Ky. 744 , 81 S.W.2d 404 (1935). 1974In other words, it must amount virtually to insanity.” Hall v. Commonwealth, 258 Ky. 744 , 81 S.W.2d 404 (1935).	1	1974–1974
Fitch v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1937 2 sentences 1971The Commonwealth contends that the court properly gave the voluntary manslaughter instruction and cites Marcum v. Commonwealth, 305 Ky. 92 , 202 S.W.2d 1012 ; Cottrell v. Commonwealth, 271 Ky. 52 , 111 S.W.2d 445 ; and Fitch v. Commonwealth, 267 Ky. 646 , 103 S.W.2d 98 . 1971The Commonwealth contends that the court properly gave the voluntary manslaughter instruction and cites Marcum v. Commonwealth, 305 Ky. 92 , 202 S.W.2d 1012 ; Cottrell v. Commonwealth, 271 Ky. 52 , 111 S.W.2d 445 ; and Fitch v. Commonwealth, 267 Ky. 646 , 103 S.W.2d 98 .	1	1971–1971
Marcum v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapphigh · 1947 2 sentences 1971The Commonwealth contends that the court properly gave the voluntary manslaughter instruction and cites Marcum v. Commonwealth, 305 Ky. 92 , 202 S.W.2d 1012 ; Cottrell v. Commonwealth, 271 Ky. 52 , 111 S.W.2d 445 ; and Fitch v. Commonwealth, 267 Ky. 646 , 103 S.W.2d 98 . 1971The Commonwealth contends that the court properly gave the voluntary manslaughter instruction and cites Marcum v. Commonwealth, 305 Ky. 92 , 202 S.W.2d 1012 ; Cottrell v. Commonwealth, 271 Ky. 52 , 111 S.W.2d 445 ; and Fitch v. Commonwealth, 267 Ky. 646 , 103 S.W.2d 98 .	1	1971–1971
Henson v. Commonwealth green kyctapp · 1958 1 sentence 1970Jackson v. Commonwealth, Ky., 441 S.W.2d 145 (1969); Henson v. Commonwealth, Ky., 314 S.W.2d 197 (1941).	1	1970–1970
Jackson v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapp · 1969 1 sentence 1970Jackson v. Commonwealth, Ky., 441 S.W.2d 145 (1969); Henson v. Commonwealth, Ky., 314 S.W.2d 197 (1941).	1	1970–1970
Cornett v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1940 2 sentences 1954In Cornett v. Commonwealth, 282 Ky. 322 , 138 S.W.2d 492 , we said that testimony as to the speed the accused was driving should be confined to the immediate scene of the accident, and that testimony relating to his speed at a distance so great from the 530 scene that the accused could have changed his course or manner of driving before reaching that point was not admissible. 1954In Cornett v. Commonwealth, 282 Ky. 322 , 138 S.W.2d 492 , we said that testimony as to the speed the accused was driving should be confined to the immediate scene of the accident, and that testimony relating to his speed at a distance so great from the 530 scene that the accused could have changed his course or manner of driving before reaching that point was not admissible.	1	1954–1954
Kelly v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1954 1 sentence 1954At its 1952 Session the General Assembly passed KRS 435.025, which provides : “Any person who, by negligent operation of a motor vehicle, causes the death of another, under circumstances not otherwise punishable as a homicide, shall be imprisoned in the county jail1 for not more than one year.” In the case of Kelly v. Commonwealth, Ky., 267 S.W.2d 536 , which is also an automobile negligence homicide case, we. held that there was sufficient evidence to warrant the submission of the case to the jury under a voluntary manslaughter instruction because of the conflicting evidence as to the speed t	1	1954–1954
Woodall v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapphigh · 1932 2 sentences 1953Taylor v. Commonwealth, 262 Ky. 126 , 89 S.W.2d 630 ; Woodall v. Commonwealth, 244 Ky. 320 , 50 S.W.2d 939 ; Grammer v. Commonwealth, 222 Ky. 727 , 2 S.W:2d 373; Miller v. Commonwealth, 163 Ky. 246 , 173 S.W. 761 ; Stanley’s Instructions to Juries,' Section 873. 1953Taylor v. Commonwealth, 262 Ky. 126 , 89 S.W.2d 630 ; Woodall v. Commonwealth, 244 Ky. 320 , 50 S.W.2d 939 ; Grammer v. Commonwealth, 222 Ky. 727 , 2 S.W:2d 373; Miller v. Commonwealth, 163 Ky. 246 , 173 S.W. 761 ; Stanley’s Instructions to Juries,' Section 873.	1	1953–1953
Taylor v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapphigh · 1935 2 sentences 1953Taylor v. Commonwealth, 262 Ky. 126 , 89 S.W.2d 630 ; Woodall v. Commonwealth, 244 Ky. 320 , 50 S.W.2d 939 ; Grammer v. Commonwealth, 222 Ky. 727 , 2 S.W:2d 373; Miller v. Commonwealth, 163 Ky. 246 , 173 S.W. 761 ; Stanley’s Instructions to Juries,' Section 873. 1953Taylor v. Commonwealth, 262 Ky. 126 , 89 S.W.2d 630 ; Woodall v. Commonwealth, 244 Ky. 320 , 50 S.W.2d 939 ; Grammer v. Commonwealth, 222 Ky. 727 , 2 S.W:2d 373; Miller v. Commonwealth, 163 Ky. 246 , 173 S.W. 761 ; Stanley’s Instructions to Juries,' Section 873.	1	1953–1953
Grammer v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapphigh · 1928 1 sentence 1953Taylor v. Commonwealth, 262 Ky. 126 , 89 S.W.2d 630 ; Woodall v. Commonwealth, 244 Ky. 320 , 50 S.W.2d 939 ; Grammer v. Commonwealth, 222 Ky. 727 , 2 S.W:2d 373; Miller v. Commonwealth, 163 Ky. 246 , 173 S.W. 761 ; Stanley’s Instructions to Juries,' Section 873.	1	1953–1953
Cook v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1936 2 sentences 1953Cottrell v. Commonwealth, 271 Ky. 52 , 111 S.W.2d 445 ; Cook v. Commonwealth, 262 Ky. 718 , 91 S.W.2d 25 . 1953Cottrell v. Commonwealth, 271 Ky. 52 , 111 S.W.2d 445 ; Cook v. Commonwealth, 262 Ky. 718 , 91 S.W.2d 25 .	1	1953–1953
Cravens v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapp · 1953 1 sentence 1953Cravens v. Commonwealth, Ky., 262 S.W.2d 466 .	1	1953–1953
Miller v. Commonwealth green kyctapp · 1915 2 sentences 1953Taylor v. Commonwealth, 262 Ky. 126 , 89 S.W.2d 630 ; Woodall v. Commonwealth, 244 Ky. 320 , 50 S.W.2d 939 ; Grammer v. Commonwealth, 222 Ky. 727 , 2 S.W:2d 373; Miller v. Commonwealth, 163 Ky. 246 , 173 S.W. 761 ; Stanley’s Instructions to Juries,' Section 873. 1953Taylor v. Commonwealth, 262 Ky. 126 , 89 S.W.2d 630 ; Woodall v. Commonwealth, 244 Ky. 320 , 50 S.W.2d 939 ; Grammer v. Commonwealth, 222 Ky. 727 , 2 S.W:2d 373; Miller v. Commonwealth, 163 Ky. 246 , 173 S.W. 761 ; Stanley’s Instructions to Juries,' Section 873.	1	1953–1953
Burnett v. Commonwealth green kyctapp · 1916 2 sentences 1953See Smith v. Com., 92 S.W. 610 , 29 Ky.Law Rep. 231; Cook v. Com., 72 S.W. 283 , 24 Ky.Law Rep. 1731; Burnett v. Com., 172 Ky. 397 , 189 S.W. 460 . 1953See Smith v. Com., 92 S.W. 610 , 29 Ky.Law Rep. 231; Cook v. Com., 72 S.W. 283 , 24 Ky.Law Rep. 1731; Burnett v. Com., 172 Ky. 397 , 189 S.W. 460 .	1	1953–1953
Cooksey v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapphigh · 1930 2 sentences 1952Thurman v. Com., 142 Ky. 347 , 134 S.W. 174, 176 ; Taylor v. Com., 283 Ky. 804 , 143 S.W.2d 520 ; Cooksey v. Com., 235 Ky. 454 , 31 S.W.2d 703 . 1952Thurman v. Com., 142 Ky. 347 , 134 S.W. 174, 176 ; Taylor v. Com., 283 Ky. 804 , 143 S.W.2d 520 ; Cooksey v. Com., 235 Ky. 454 , 31 S.W.2d 703 .	1	1952–1952
Taylor v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1940	1	1952–1952
Thurman v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapp · 1911 2 sentences 1952Thurman v. Com., 142 Ky. 347 , 134 S.W. 174, 176 ; Taylor v. Com., 283 Ky. 804 , 143 S.W.2d 520 ; Cooksey v. Com., 235 Ky. 454 , 31 S.W.2d 703 . 1952Thurman v. Com., 142 Ky. 347 , 134 S.W. 174, 176 ; Taylor v. Com., 283 Ky. 804 , 143 S.W.2d 520 ; Cooksey v. Com., 235 Ky. 454 , 31 S.W.2d 703 .	1	1952–1952
Horn v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1942	1	1944–1944
Slone v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapphigh · 1941	1	1942–1942
Amburgey v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1941	1	1942–1942
Smiley v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1930	1	1942–1942
Lambdin v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapp · 1922	1	1942–1942
Gilbert v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1929	1	1937–1937
Payne v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1934	1	1937–1937
Commonwealth v. Mosser neutral kyctapp · 1909	1	1935–1935
Harris v. Commonwealth green kyctapp · 1919	1	1935–1935
Walker v. Commonwealth neutral kyctapphigh · 1930	1	1934–1934
Jones v. Commonwealth green kyctapphigh · 1926	1	1934–1934
Lewis v. Commonwealth green kyctapp · 1910	1	1934–1934

Statutes the citing opinions construe

KY § Ky. Rev. Stat. § 532.025 (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

IL 133 (1970–2024) CA 99 (1967–2026) OH 88 (1992–2025) GA 49 (2008–2026) PA 49 (1977–2026) MI 47 (1983–2026) KS 47 (1978–2025) MA 44 (1983–2024) IN 43 (1990–2023) MO 37 (1987–2025) NM 31 (1982–2026) KY 29 (1934–2011) NC 17 (1992–2024) VA 16 (2001–2026) TX 14 (1982–2024) SC 10 (2010–2026) IA 7 (1990–2025) TN 5 (2000–2017) RI 5 (1985–2026) DC 5 (1992–2009) VT 5 (1997–2010) MD 5 (1998–2025) WV 5 (1987–2020) NV 3 (1986–2020) AZ 3 (1969–2015) WY 3 (2018–2022)

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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