murder instruction (California) · Go Syfert
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murder instruction in California

22 California opinions name it 2 courts 1985–2024 9 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by California 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 (19)

CaseFollowedCited
Estelle v. McGuiregreen
scotus · 1991 · cited in 3 California opinions naming this issue, 2013–2016
2 sentences

2016(Id., at pp. 703-704; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 349 .)” (Id. at p. 462.) “ ‘[T]he correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 192 ; see People v. Thomas (2011) 52 Cal.4th 336, 356 [“A single jury instruction may not be judged in isolation, but must be viewed in the context of all instructions given.”]; Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 [An “instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial

2015(Shade at pp. 714-715; Chavez at pp. 666-667 ; Price at p. 374.) “[An] instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial isolation,’ but must be considered in the context of the instructions as a whole and the trial record. [Citation.] In addition, in reviewing [a potentially] ambiguous instruction such as the one at issue here, we inquire ‘whether there is a reasonable likelihood that the jury has applied the challenged instruction in a way’ that violates the Constitution.” (Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 .) To the extent that there was any room for ambiguity in the instructions, the tr

13
People v. Canizalesgreen
cal · 2019 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
2 sentences

2024Based on the foregoing, the attempted murder instructions did not leave open the possibility of convicting petitioner under a natural and probable consequences theory of attempted murder.11 To the contrary, the instructions required the jury to find every element of attempted murder under a valid theory, i.e., that petitioner took at least one 10 The kill zone theory of attempted murder is a “theory for establishing the specific intent to kill required for conviction of attempted murder.” (People v. Canizales (2019) 7 Cal.5th 591, 607 .) As such, it is a theory of express malice unaffected by

2024(See People v. Canizales (2019) 7 Cal.5th 591, 617 [when evaluating prejudice, “[t]he jury’s questions during deliberations are also instructive”].) In fact, there is no evidence in the record to indicate that the jury might have incorrectly applied the jury instructions, thus negating the murder instruction’s essential requirement of express or implied malice and convicting Queen of murder based upon a theory never advanced by the prosecutor.

12
People v. Riosgreen
cal · 2000 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2016–2024
2 sentences

2024(Mullaney v. Wilbur, supra, at p. 704 ; Schuller, supra, at pp. 253-254; Rios, supra, at pp. 462-463 .) From this basic premise, defendant asserts the murder instruction was improper because it did not, in and of itself, require the People to prove the absence of heat of passion and imperfect self-defense as an element of murder.

2024(Mullaney v. Wilbur, supra, at p. 704 ; Schuller, supra, at pp. 253-254; Rios, supra, at pp. 462-463 .) From this basic premise, defendant asserts the murder instruction was improper because it did not, in and of itself, require the People to prove the absence of heat of passion and imperfect self-defense as an element of murder.

12
People v. Beltrangreen
cal · 2013 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022(People v. Aledamat (2019) 8 Cal.5th 1, 7 [a “‘“factually inadequate theory[]”’ … is incorrect only because the evidence does not support it,” and “‘reversal is not required whenever a valid ground for the verdict remains, absent an affirmative indication in the record that the verdict actually did rest on the inadequate ground’”]); People v. Beltran (2013) 56 Cal.4th 935, 955 [“‘“[M]isdirection of the jury, including incorrect, ambiguous, conflicting, or wrongly omitted instructions that do not amount to federal constitutional error are reviewed under the harmless error standard articulated”

11
People v. Ramirezgreen
calctapp · 1997 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022(People v. Ramirez (1997) 55 Cal.App.4th 47, 58 (Ramirez).) Accordingly, we conclude that the jury was not reasonably likely to apply the definition of implied malice in the murder instruction to the mental state required for a conviction for attempted murder.

11
People v. Aledamatgreen
cal · 2019 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022(People v. Aledamat (2019) 8 Cal.5th 1, 7 [a “‘“factually inadequate theory[]”’ … is incorrect only because the evidence does not support it,” and “‘reversal is not required whenever a valid ground for the verdict remains, absent an affirmative indication in the record that the verdict actually did rest on the inadequate ground’”]); People v. Beltran (2013) 56 Cal.4th 935, 955 [“‘“[M]isdirection of the jury, including incorrect, ambiguous, conflicting, or wrongly omitted instructions that do not amount to federal constitutional error are reviewed under the harmless error standard articulated”

11
People v. Rogersgreen
cal · 2006 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
1 sentence

2021(Ibid.; see People v. Rogers (2006) 39 Cal.4th 826, 874-875 .) The same is true here.

11
People v. Mitchellgreen
cal · 2019 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
1 sentence

2021However, “failure to object to instructional error will not result in forfeiture if the substantial rights of the defendant are affected. (§ 1259; [citation].) Here, [defendants] claim[] that the flawed instruction[] deprived [them] of due process, and because this would affect [their] substantial rights if true, [the] claim is not forfeited.” (People v. Mitchell (2019) 7 Cal.5th 561, 579-580 (Mitchell).) 3.

11
People v. Thomasgreen
cal · 2011 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016(Id., at pp. 703-704; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 349 .)” (Id. at p. 462.) “ ‘[T]he correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 192 ; see People v. Thomas (2011) 52 Cal.4th 336, 356 [“A single jury instruction may not be judged in isolation, but must be viewed in the context of all instructions given.”]; Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 [An “instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial

11
People v. Mickeygreen
cal · 1991 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016(Id., at pp. 703-704; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 349 .)” (Id. at p. 462.) “ ‘[T]he correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 192 ; see People v. Thomas (2011) 52 Cal.4th 336, 356 [“A single jury instruction may not be judged in isolation, but must be viewed in the context of all instructions given.”]; Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 [An “instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial

11
People v. Blandgreen
cal · 1995 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015Knows that he or she is carrying the deadly weapon.” “[A]rming under the sentence enhancement statutes does not require that a defendant utilize a firearm or even carry one on the body.” (People v. Bland (1995) 10 Cal.4th 991, 997 (Bland).) But the information alleged Sanchez personally used a deadly weapon in the commission of the murder in violation of section 12022, subdivision (b)(1).3 “ ‘[T]he term “uses” . . . requires something more than merely being armed.” (Bland, supra, 10 Cal.4th at p. 997 .) Accordingly, the jury should have been instructed with CALCRIM No. 3145, which provides, in

2015Knows that he or she is carrying the deadly weapon.” “[A]rming under the sentence enhancement statutes does not require that a defendant utilize a firearm or even carry one on the body.” (People v. Bland (1995) 10 Cal.4th 991, 997 (Bland).) But the information alleged Sanchez personally used a deadly weapon in the commission of the murder in violation of section 12022, subdivision (b)(1).3 “ ‘[T]he term “uses” . . . requires something more than merely being armed.” (Bland, supra, 10 Cal.4th at p. 997 .) Accordingly, the jury should have been instructed with CALCRIM No. 3145, which provides, in

11
People v. Cleavesgreen
calctapp · 1991 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007Our Supreme Court rejected an “assisted suicide” argument in People v. Matlock (1959) 51 Cal.2d 682 [ 336 P.2d 505 ] {Matlock), stating “ ‘where a person actually performs, or actively assists in performing, the overt act resulting in death, such as shooting or stabbing the victim, administering the poison, or holding one under water until death takes place by drowning, his act constitutes murder, and it is wholly immaterial whether this act is committed pursuant to an agreement with the victim ....’” (Id., at p. 694, followed in People v. Cleaves (1991) 229 Cal.App.3d 367, 376-377 [ 280 Cal.R

2007Our Supreme Court rejected an “assisted suicide” argument in People v. Matlock (1959) 51 Cal.2d 682 [ 336 P.2d 505 ] {Matlock), stating “ ‘where a person actually performs, or actively assists in performing, the overt act resulting in death, such as shooting or stabbing the victim, administering the poison, or holding one under water until death takes place by drowning, his act constitutes murder, and it is wholly immaterial whether this act is committed pursuant to an agreement with the victim ....’” (Id., at p. 694, followed in People v. Cleaves (1991) 229 Cal.App.3d 367, 376-377 [ 280 Cal.R

11
People v. Cunninghamgreen
cal · 2001 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
11
People v. Stansburygreen
cal · 1995 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
11
People v. Morrisgreen
cal · 1991 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
11
People v. Avenagreen
cal · 1996 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
11
People v. Ramosgreen
cal · 1982 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 1985–1985
11
People v. Parksgreen
calctapp · 1973 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 1985–1985
11
Rhinehart v. Municipal Courtgreen
cal · 1984 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 1985–1985
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (1)

CaseNegativeCited
Forden v. Joseph G.green
cal · 1983 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007Our Supreme Court rejected an “assisted suicide” argument in People v. Matlock (1959) 51 Cal.2d 682 [ 336 P.2d 505 ] {Matlock), stating “ ‘where a person actually performs, or actively assists in performing, the overt act resulting in death, such as shooting or stabbing the victim, administering the poison, or holding one under water until death takes place by drowning, his act constitutes murder, and it is wholly immaterial whether this act is committed pursuant to an agreement with the victim ....’” (Id., at p. 694, followed in People v. Cleaves (1991) 229 Cal.App.3d 367, 376-377 [ 280 Cal.R

2007Our Supreme Court rejected an “assisted suicide” argument in People v. Matlock (1959) 51 Cal.2d 682 [ 336 P.2d 505 ] {Matlock), stating “ ‘where a person actually performs, or actively assists in performing, the overt act resulting in death, such as shooting or stabbing the victim, administering the poison, or holding one under water until death takes place by drowning, his act constitutes murder, and it is wholly immaterial whether this act is committed pursuant to an agreement with the victim ....’” (Id., at p. 694, followed in People v. Cleaves (1991) 229 Cal.App.3d 367, 376-377 [ 280 Cal.R

11

Also cited on this issue (24)

CaseCitedYears
People v. Burgener green
cal · 1986
2 sentences

2016(Id., at pp. 703-704; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 349 .)” (Id. at p. 462.) “ ‘[T]he correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 192 ; see People v. Thomas (2011) 52 Cal.4th 336, 356 [“A single jury instruction may not be judged in isolation, but must be viewed in the context of all instructions given.”]; Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 [An “instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial

2013As we pointed out earlier, “the correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.” (People v. Burgener, supra, 41 Cal.3d at p. 538 .) Where the claim is that the jury might have been misled, “we inquire „whether there is a 10 The defense below asked the court to modify CALCRIM No. 520 (the murder instruction) to include the prosecution‟s obligation to disprove heat of passion.

22013–2016
Wilson & Wilson v. City Council green
calctapp · 2011
2 sentences

2024(Parkford, supra, 54 Cal.App.5th at p. 722; Wilson, supra, 191 Cal.App.4th at p. 1573 .) Richmond counters the issue is ripe for review because her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination was violated when she was required to sign the murder waiver as a condition of her plea.

2024(Parkford, supra, 54 Cal.App.5th at p. 722; Wilson, supra, 191 Cal.App.4th at p. 1573 .) Richmond counters the issue is ripe for review because her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination was violated when she was required to sign the murder waiver as a condition of her plea.

12024–2024
People v. Merriman green
cal · 2014
1 sentence

2024“Absent some showing to the contrary, we presume the jury followed the court’s instructions.” (People v. Merriman, supra, 60 Cal.4th at pp. 48-49.) Further, as to Langi and Maldonado, we observe that cases are distinguishable from the instant case as the issue of prejudice.

12024–2024
People v. Beck green
cal · 2019
1 sentence

2023Referring to implied malice “ ‘could confuse jurors’ ” because “ ‘conspiracy to commit murder, may not be based on a theory of implied malice.’ ” (Beck and Cruz, supra, 8 Cal.5th at p. 642 .) When giving the conspiracy instruction, the murder instruction should be modified to delete references to implied malice.

12023–2023
People v. Jo green
calctapp5d · 2017
1 sentence

2022To the contrary, the basis for defendant’s criminal liability in this case was his failure to act.10 Accordingly, we reject defendant’s claim that the trial court erred in refusing to instruct the jury on unanimity, in violation of his state and federal rights.11 In light of this conclusion, it is unnecessary to address the parties’ disagreement over whether the continuous course of conduct exception to the prosecutorial-election-or unanimity- instruction requirement applies to these facts (People v. Jo, supra, 15 Cal.App.5th at p. 1178 ; People v. Hernandez, supra, 217 Cal.App.4th at p. 572 )

12022–2022
The People v. Hernandez green
calctapp · 2013
1 sentence

2022To the contrary, the basis for defendant’s criminal liability in this case was his failure to act.10 Accordingly, we reject defendant’s claim that the trial court erred in refusing to instruct the jury on unanimity, in violation of his state and federal rights.11 In light of this conclusion, it is unnecessary to address the parties’ disagreement over whether the continuous course of conduct exception to the prosecutorial-election-or unanimity- instruction requirement applies to these facts (People v. Jo, supra, 15 Cal.App.5th at p. 1178 ; People v. Hernandez, supra, 217 Cal.App.4th at p. 572 )

12022–2022
People v. Rountree green
cal · 2013
2 sentences

2018We disagree. *89 "To determine whether sufficient evidence supports a jury verdict, a reviewing court reviews the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it discloses evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid value such that a reasonable jury could *410 find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." ( People v. Rountree (2013) 56 Cal.4th 823 , 852-853, 157 Cal.Rptr.3d 1 , 301 P.3d 150 .) "This standard of review applies when the evidence is largely circumstantial and to review of special circumstance findings." ( People v. Johnson (2015)

2018We disagree. *89 "To determine whether sufficient evidence supports a jury verdict, a reviewing court reviews the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it discloses evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid value such that a reasonable jury could *410 find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." ( People v. Rountree (2013) 56 Cal.4th 823 , 852-853, 157 Cal.Rptr.3d 1 , 301 P.3d 150 .) "This standard of review applies when the evidence is largely circumstantial and to review of special circumstance findings." ( People v. Johnson (2015)

12018–2018
People v. Green green
cal · 1980
2 sentences

2018Specifically, he argues the evidence was insufficient to prove that he had a felonious purpose independent of the murder under the rule established in People v. Green (1980) 27 Cal.3d 1 , 164 Cal.Rptr. 1 , 609 P.2d 468 ( Green ).

2018Specifically, he argues the evidence was insufficient to prove that he had a felonious purpose independent of the murder under the rule established in People v. Green (1980) 27 Cal.3d 1 , 164 Cal.Rptr. 1 , 609 P.2d 468 ( Green ).

12018–2018
People v. Brents green
cal · 2012
2 sentences

2018We disagree. *89 "To determine whether sufficient evidence supports a jury verdict, a reviewing court reviews the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it discloses evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid value such that a reasonable jury could *410 find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." ( People v. Rountree (2013) 56 Cal.4th 823 , 852-853, 157 Cal.Rptr.3d 1 , 301 P.3d 150 .) "This standard of review applies when the evidence is largely circumstantial and to review of special circumstance findings." ( People v. Johnson (2015)

2018We disagree. *89 "To determine whether sufficient evidence supports a jury verdict, a reviewing court reviews the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it discloses evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid value such that a reasonable jury could *410 find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." ( People v. Rountree (2013) 56 Cal.4th 823 , 852-853, 157 Cal.Rptr.3d 1 , 301 P.3d 150 .) "This standard of review applies when the evidence is largely circumstantial and to review of special circumstance findings." ( People v. Johnson (2015)

12018–2018
People v. Johnson green
cal · 2015
2 sentences

2018We disagree. *89 "To determine whether sufficient evidence supports a jury verdict, a reviewing court reviews the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it discloses evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid value such that a reasonable jury could *410 find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." ( People v. Rountree (2013) 56 Cal.4th 823 , 852-853, 157 Cal.Rptr.3d 1 , 301 P.3d 150 .) "This standard of review applies when the evidence is largely circumstantial and to review of special circumstance findings." ( People v. Johnson (2015)

2018We disagree. *89 "To determine whether sufficient evidence supports a jury verdict, a reviewing court reviews the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it discloses evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid value such that a reasonable jury could *410 find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." ( People v. Rountree (2013) 56 Cal.4th 823 , 852-853, 157 Cal.Rptr.3d 1 , 301 P.3d 150 .) "This standard of review applies when the evidence is largely circumstantial and to review of special circumstance findings." ( People v. Johnson (2015)

12018–2018
People v. Carrington green
cal · 2009
1 sentence

2016(Id., at pp. 703-704; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 349 .)” (Id. at p. 462.) “ ‘[T]he correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 192 ; see People v. Thomas (2011) 52 Cal.4th 336, 356 [“A single jury instruction may not be judged in isolation, but must be viewed in the context of all instructions given.”]; Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 [An “instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial

12016–2016
People v. O'Malley green
cal · 2016
1 sentence

2016(Id., at pp. 703-704; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 349 .)” (Id. at p. 462.) “ ‘[T]he correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 192 ; see People v. Thomas (2011) 52 Cal.4th 336, 356 [“A single jury instruction may not be judged in isolation, but must be viewed in the context of all instructions given.”]; Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 [An “instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial

12016–2016
People v. Reyes green
cal · 1998
1 sentence

2016(Id., at pp. 703-704; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 349 .)” (Id. at p. 462.) “ ‘[T]he correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 192 ; see People v. Thomas (2011) 52 Cal.4th 336, 356 [“A single jury instruction may not be judged in isolation, but must be viewed in the context of all instructions given.”]; Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 [An “instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial

12016–2016
Mullaney v. Wilbur green
scotus · 1975
2 sentences

2016Defendant relies on Mullaney v. Wilbur (1975) 421 U.S. 684 (Mullaney) to argue that CALCRIM No. 520 should state “the state’s burden to disprove voluntary manslaughter as a separately numbered, bracketed element within the murder instruction(s) along with the other required and bracketed elements.” In Mullaney, the United States Supreme Court considered a Maine law that required “a defendant to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he acted in the heat of passion on 56 sudden provocation in order to reduce murder to manslaughter.” ( Mullaney, supra, at p. 703 .) The court held that

2016Defendant relies on Mullaney v. Wilbur (1975) 421 U.S. 684 (Mullaney) to argue that CALCRIM No. 520 should state “the state’s burden to disprove voluntary manslaughter as a separately numbered, bracketed element within the murder instruction(s) along with the other required and bracketed elements.” In Mullaney, the United States Supreme Court considered a Maine law that required “a defendant to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he acted in the heat of passion on 56 sudden provocation in order to reduce murder to manslaughter.” ( Mullaney, supra, at p. 703 .) The court held that

12016–2016
People v. Bloyd green
cal · 1987
1 sentence

2016(Id., at pp. 703-704; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 349 .)” (Id. at p. 462.) “ ‘[T]he correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 192 ; see People v. Thomas (2011) 52 Cal.4th 336, 356 [“A single jury instruction may not be judged in isolation, but must be viewed in the context of all instructions given.”]; Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 [An “instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial

12016–2016
People v. Bryant, Smith and Wheeler green
cal · 2014
1 sentence

2016(Id., at pp. 703-704; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 349 .)” (Id. at p. 462.) “ ‘[T]he correctness of jury instructions is to be determined from the entire charge of the court, not from a consideration of parts of an instruction or from a particular instruction.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 192 ; see People v. Thomas (2011) 52 Cal.4th 336, 356 [“A single jury instruction may not be judged in isolation, but must be viewed in the context of all instructions given.”]; Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502 U.S. 62, 72 [An “instruction ‘may not be judged in artificial

12016–2016
People v. Matlock green
cal · 1959
2 sentences

2007Our Supreme Court rejected an “assisted suicide” argument in People v. Matlock (1959) 51 Cal.2d 682 [ 336 P.2d 505 ] {Matlock), stating “ ‘where a person actually performs, or actively assists in performing, the overt act resulting in death, such as shooting or stabbing the victim, administering the poison, or holding one under water until death takes place by drowning, his act constitutes murder, and it is wholly immaterial whether this act is committed pursuant to an agreement with the victim ....’” (Id., at p. 694, followed in People v. Cleaves (1991) 229 Cal.App.3d 367, 376-377 [ 280 Cal.R

2007Our Supreme Court rejected an “assisted suicide” argument in People v. Matlock (1959) 51 Cal.2d 682 [ 336 P.2d 505 ] {Matlock), stating “ ‘where a person actually performs, or actively assists in performing, the overt act resulting in death, such as shooting or stabbing the victim, administering the poison, or holding one under water until death takes place by drowning, his act constitutes murder, and it is wholly immaterial whether this act is committed pursuant to an agreement with the victim ....’” (Id., at p. 694, followed in People v. Cleaves (1991) 229 Cal.App.3d 367, 376-377 [ 280 Cal.R

12007–2007
People v. Prettyman red
cal · 1996
12002–2002
People v. Beardslee green
cal · 1991
11998–1998
Martinez v. Superior Court green
cal · 1981
11989–1989
Sandstrom v. Montana green
scotus · 1979
11988–1988
People v. Garcia green
cal · 1984
11988–1988
Connecticut v. Johnson green
scotus · 1983
11988–1988
Sanchez v. Superior Court green
calctapp · 1982
11985–1985

Statutes the citing opinions construe

CA § Cal. Penal Code § 187 (9) CA § Cal. Evidence Code § 352 (6)

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 35 (1974–2019) MS 25 (1928–2009) CA 22 (1985–2024) KY 15 (1912–2022) WV 8 (1948–1992) TX 7 (1986–2025) IN 6 (1993–2014) PA 5 (1998–2017) OH 5 (1998–2016) NM 3 (2013–2023) WA 3 (2009–2018) MA 3 (1996–2017) AZ 3 (1977–2017) KS 2 (2006–2012) RI 2 (1977–2001) SD 2 (1992–2001) MO 2 (1950–1988) CT 2 (2016–2018) AL 2 (1993–1993) OK 2 (1991–2000)

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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