jury is reversible error (New Mexico) · Go Syfert
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jury is reversible error in New Mexico

17 New Mexico opinions name it 2 courts 2005–2025 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by New Mexico 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)

CaseFollowedCited
State v. Parishgreen
nm · 1994 · cited in 9 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 2007–2017
2 sentences

2017The district court’s misstatement of the essential mens rea element is 7 reversible error requiring a new trial 8 {26} “[I]f an instruction is facially erroneous it presents an incurable problem and 9 mandates reversal.” State v. Parish, 1994-NMSC-073 , ¶ 4, 118 N.M. 39 , 878 P.2d 10 988 ; see also State v. Ellis, 2008-NMSC-032, ¶ 14 , 144 N.M. 253 , 186 P.3d 245 (“A 11 jury instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential 12 for a conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” (internal 13 quotation marks and citations omitted)). 14 {27} Ou

2017The district court’s misstatement of the essential mens rea element is reversible error requiring a new trial {26} “[I]f an instruction is facially erroneous it presents an incurable problem and mandates reversal.” State v. Parish, 1994-NMSC-073 , ¶ 4, 118 N.M. 39 , 878 P.2d 988 ; see also State v. Ellis, 2008-NMSC-032, ¶ 14 , 144 N.M. 253 , 186 P.3d 245 (“A jury instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” (internal quotation marks and citations omitted)). {27} Our rules require lawye

69
State v. Ellisgreen
nm · 2008 · cited in 7 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 2012–2025
2 sentences

2025As we discuss, Defendant’s position relies on the false premise that the jury instructions, without his submitted instruction expressly articulating the doctrine of imperfect self-defense, constituted an inadequate statement of law, resulting in “jury confusion.” {14} “A jury instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” State v. Ellis, 2008-NMSC-032, ¶ 14 , 144 N.M. 253 , 186 P.3d 245 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).

2025As we discuss, Defendant’s position relies on the false premise that the jury instructions, without his submitted instruction expressly articulating the doctrine of imperfect self-defense, constituted an inadequate statement of law, resulting in “jury confusion.” {14} “A jury instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” State v. Ellis, 2008-NMSC-032, ¶ 14 , 144 N.M. 253 , 186 P.3d 245 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).

57
State v. Fostergreen
nmctapp · 1974 · cited in 1 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
2 sentences

2012We agree with Defendant that the instruction 19 given constitutes reversible error because attempt is a specific intent crime, see State 16 1 v. Baca, 1997-NMSC-059, ¶ 51 , 124 N.M. 333 , 950 P.2d 776 , and because “[a] jury 2 instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a 3 conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” State v. Ellis, 2008- 4 NMSC-032, ¶ 14, 144 N.M. 253 , 186 P.3d 245 (internal quotation marks and citation 5 omitted); see State v. Foster, 87 N.M. 155, 159 , 530 P.2d 949, 953 (Ct. App. 1974) 6 (reversing an attempt

2012We agree with Defendant that the instruction 19 given constitutes reversible error because attempt is a specific intent crime, see State 16 1 v. Baca, 1997-NMSC-059, ¶ 51 , 124 N.M. 333 , 950 P.2d 776 , and because “[a] jury 2 instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a 3 conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” State v. Ellis, 2008- 4 NMSC-032, ¶ 14, 144 N.M. 253 , 186 P.3d 245 (internal quotation marks and citation 5 omitted); see State v. Foster, 87 N.M. 155, 159 , 530 P.2d 949, 953 (Ct. App. 1974) 6 (reversing an attempt

11
State v. Griffingreen
nmctapp · 2002 · cited in 1 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007See Griffin, 2002-NMCA-051, ¶ 10 , 132 N.M. 195 , 46 P.3d 102 ; see also Parish, 118 N.M. at 44 , 878 P.2d at 993 (“A jury instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)).

2007See Griffin, 2002-NMCA-051, ¶ 10 , 132 N.M. 195 , 46 P.3d 102 ; see also Parish, 118 N.M. at 44 , 878 P.2d at 993 (“A jury instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)).

11
Santillanes v. Stategreen
nm · 1993 · cited in 1 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
2 sentences

2005In negligent child abuse prosecution, the jury must be instructed that the state bears the burden to prove that the defendant was “criminally] negligent,” meaning that “defendant knew or should have known of the danger involved and acted with a reckless disregard for the safety or health of the child.” Santillanes v. State, 115 N.M. 215, 222 , 849 P.2d 358, 365 (1993).

2005In negligent child abuse prosecution, the jury must be instructed that the state bears the burden to prove that the defendant was “criminally] negligent,” meaning that “defendant knew or should have known of the danger involved and acted with a reckless disregard for the safety or health of the child.” Santillanes v. State, 115 N.M. 215, 222 , 849 P.2d 358, 365 (1993).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (7)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Dowling green
nm · 2011
2 sentences

2020In short, “[a] jury instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” State v. Dowling, 2011- NMSC-016, ¶ 14, 150 N.M. 110 , 257 P.3d 930 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {24} Defendant’s conviction of escape from custody of a peace officer indeed followed from such a reversible error: the jury instruction associated with the conviction did not instruct the jury on one element essential to the crime.

2020In short, “[a] jury instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” State v. Dowling, 2011- NMSC-016, ¶ 14, 150 N.M. 110 , 257 P.3d 930 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {24} Defendant’s conviction of escape from custody of a peace officer indeed followed from such a reversible error: the jury instruction associated with the conviction did not instruct the jury on one element essential to the crime.

22012–2020
State v. Cabezuela green
nm · 2011
2 sentences

2020Section 30-22-10 provides that such escape “consists of any person who shall have been placed under lawful arrest for the commission or alleged commission of any felony, unlawfully escaping or attempting to escape from the custody or control of any peace officer.” The statute plainly includes the element of “arrest for the commission or alleged commission of any felony[.]” See State v. Cabezuela, 2011-NMSC-041, ¶ 38 , 150 N.M. 654 , 265 P.3d 705 (“The language of a statute determines the essential elements of an offense.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). {25} The jury instruct

2020Section 30-22-10 provides that such escape “consists of any person who shall have been placed under lawful arrest for the commission or alleged commission of any felony, unlawfully escaping or attempting to escape from the custody or control of any peace officer.” The statute plainly includes the element of “arrest for the commission or alleged commission of any felony[.]” See State v. Cabezuela, 2011-NMSC-041, ¶ 38 , 150 N.M. 654 , 265 P.3d 705 (“The language of a statute determines the essential elements of an offense.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). {25} The jury instruct

12020–2020
State v. Osborne green
nm · 1991
1 sentence

2018“A jury instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law 5 essential for a conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” Id. 6 In State v. Osborne, the Supreme Court held “that unlawfulness is an essential element 7 of the offense of CSCM as defined by our [L]egislature.” 1991-NMSC-032 , ¶ 16, 111 8 N.M. 654 , 808 P.2d 624 ; see Section 30-9-13(A) (providing that “[c]riminal sexual 9 contact of a minor is the unlawful and intentional touching of or applying force to the 10 intimate parts of a minor or the unlawful and intentional causing of a minor t

12018–2018
State v. Baca green
nm · 1997
2 sentences

2012We agree with Defendant that the instruction 19 given constitutes reversible error because attempt is a specific intent crime, see State 16 1 v. Baca, 1997-NMSC-059, ¶ 51 , 124 N.M. 333 , 950 P.2d 776 , and because “[a] jury 2 instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a 3 conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” State v. Ellis, 2008- 4 NMSC-032, ¶ 14, 144 N.M. 253 , 186 P.3d 245 (internal quotation marks and citation 5 omitted); see State v. Foster, 87 N.M. 155, 159 , 530 P.2d 949, 953 (Ct. App. 1974) 6 (reversing an attempt

2012We agree with Defendant that the instruction 19 given constitutes reversible error because attempt is a specific intent crime, see State 16 1 v. Baca, 1997-NMSC-059, ¶ 51 , 124 N.M. 333 , 950 P.2d 776 , and because “[a] jury 2 instruction which does not instruct the jury upon all questions of law essential for a 3 conviction of any crime submitted to the jury is reversible error.” State v. Ellis, 2008- 4 NMSC-032, ¶ 14, 144 N.M. 253 , 186 P.3d 245 (internal quotation marks and citation 5 omitted); see State v. Foster, 87 N.M. 155, 159 , 530 P.2d 949, 953 (Ct. App. 1974) 6 (reversing an attempt

12012–2012
State v. Lopez green
nm · 1999
2 sentences

2008“The trial court’s rejection of [d]efendant’s submitted jury instructions is reviewed by this Court de novo, because it is closer to a determination of law than a determination of fact.” State v. Lucero, 1998-NMSC-044, ¶ 5 , 126 N.M. 552 , 972 P.2d 1143 . {15} However, “a self-defense instruction is required whenever [or if] a defendant presents evidence sufficient to allow reasonable minds to differ as to all elements of the defense.” State v. Lopez, 2000-NMSC-003, ¶ 23 , 128 N.M. 410 , 993 P.2d 727 (quoted authority omitted).

2008“The trial court’s rejection of [d]efendant’s submitted jury instructions is reviewed by this Court de novo, because it is closer to a determination of law than a determination of fact.” State v. Lucero, 1998-NMSC-044, ¶ 5 , 126 N.M. 552 , 972 P.2d 1143 . {15} However, “a self-defense instruction is required whenever [or if] a defendant presents evidence sufficient to allow reasonable minds to differ as to all elements of the defense.” State v. Lopez, 2000-NMSC-003, ¶ 23 , 128 N.M. 410 , 993 P.2d 727 (quoted authority omitted).

12008–2008
State v. Lucero green
nm · 1998
2 sentences

2008“The trial court’s rejection of [d]efendant’s submitted jury instructions is reviewed by this Court de novo, because it is closer to a determination of law than a determination of fact.” State v. Lucero, 1998-NMSC-044, ¶ 5 , 126 N.M. 552 , 972 P.2d 1143 . {15} However, “a self-defense instruction is required whenever [or if] a defendant presents evidence sufficient to allow reasonable minds to differ as to all elements of the defense.” State v. Lopez, 2000-NMSC-003, ¶ 23 , 128 N.M. 410 , 993 P.2d 727 (quoted authority omitted).

2008“The trial court’s rejection of [d]efendant’s submitted jury instructions is reviewed by this Court de novo, because it is closer to a determination of law than a determination of fact.” State v. Lucero, 1998-NMSC-044, ¶ 5 , 126 N.M. 552 , 972 P.2d 1143 . {15} However, “a self-defense instruction is required whenever [or if] a defendant presents evidence sufficient to allow reasonable minds to differ as to all elements of the defense.” State v. Lopez, 2000-NMSC-003, ¶ 23 , 128 N.M. 410 , 993 P.2d 727 (quoted authority omitted).

12008–2008
State v. Sosa green
nm · 1997
2 sentences

2005State v. Sosa, 1997-NMSC-032, ¶ 25 , 123 N.M. 564 , 943 P.2d 1017 (holding that the use of an ambiguous instruction that confuses or misleads a jury is reversible error).

2005State v. Sosa, 1997-NMSC-032, ¶ 25 , 123 N.M. 564 , 943 P.2d 1017 (holding that the use of an ambiguous instruction that confuses or misleads a jury is reversible error).

12005–2005

Statutes the citing opinions construe

NM § N.M. Stat. § 30-2-3 (3) NM § N.M. Stat. § 30-22-14 (3) NM § N.M. Stat. § 30-31-20 (3) NM § N.M. Stat. § 31-19-1 (3) NM § N.M. Stat. § 40-13-1 (3) NM § N.M. Stat. § 40-13-2 (3) NM § N.M. Stat. § 40-13-3 (3) NM § N.M. Stat. § 40-13-4 (3) NM § N.M. Stat. § 40-13-6 (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

NM 17 (2005–2025) GA 10 (1916–2023) CA 8 (1965–2023) TX 8 (1922–2004) IL 8 (2003–2014) FL 7 (1969–2012) MO 7 (1928–2017) IN 7 (1975–2002) IA 3 (1974–2001) TN 3 (1997–2001) MN 2 (1985–2006) SC 2 (1931–1985) AR 2 (1963–1989) AZ 2 (1979–2020) AL 2 (1967–1973) WA 2 (1986–2019) ID 2 (1998–2004) MS 2 (1983–2024) MI 2 (1955–1971)

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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