Geiger rule (California) · Go Syfert
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Geiger rule in California

13 California opinions name it 3 courts 1987–2019 0 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 (8)

CaseFollowedCited
People v. Birksgreen
cal · 1998 · cited in 6 California opinions naming this issue, 2003–2019
2 sentences

2019In drunk driving cases like this one, "a defendant may be charged with second degree murder upon facts which also would support a charge of vehicular manslaughter." ( Watson , supra , 30 Cal.3d at p. 299 , 179 Cal.Rptr. 43 , 637 P.2d 279 .) It is the prosecutor's role to decide what charges (and thereby what lesser included offenses) are presented to the jury. ( Hicks , supra , 4 Cal.5th at p. 211 ; Birks , supra , 19 Cal.4th at p. 134 , 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 .) Ortega 's"expanded" accusatory pleading test would interfere with this charging authority by requiring sua sponte instru

2019In drunk driving cases like this one, "a defendant may be charged with second degree murder upon facts which also would support a charge of vehicular manslaughter." ( Watson , supra , 30 Cal.3d at p. 299 , 179 Cal.Rptr. 43 , 637 P.2d 279 .) It is the prosecutor's role to decide what charges (and thereby what lesser included offenses) are presented to the jury. ( Hicks , supra , 4 Cal.5th at p. 211 ; Birks , supra , 19 Cal.4th at p. 134 , 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 .) Ortega 's"expanded" accusatory pleading test would interfere with this charging authority by requiring sua sponte instru

46
People v. Hicksgreen
cal · 2017 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
2 sentences

2019In drunk driving cases like this one, "a defendant may be charged with second degree murder upon facts which also would support a charge of vehicular manslaughter." ( Watson , supra , 30 Cal.3d at p. 299 , 179 Cal.Rptr. 43 , 637 P.2d 279 .) It is the prosecutor's role to decide what charges (and thereby what lesser included offenses) are presented to the jury. ( Hicks , supra , 4 Cal.5th at p. 211 ; Birks , supra , 19 Cal.4th at p. 134 , 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 .) Ortega 's"expanded" accusatory pleading test would interfere with this charging authority by requiring sua sponte instru

2019In drunk driving cases like this one, "a defendant may be charged with second degree murder upon facts which also would support a charge of vehicular manslaughter." ( Watson , supra , 30 Cal.3d at p. 299 , 179 Cal.Rptr. 43 , 637 P.2d 279 .) It is the prosecutor's role to decide what charges (and thereby what lesser included offenses) are presented to the jury. ( Hicks , supra , 4 Cal.5th at p. 211 ; Birks , supra , 19 Cal.4th at p. 134 , 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 .) Ortega 's"expanded" accusatory pleading test would interfere with this charging authority by requiring sua sponte instru

22
People v. Brevermangreen
cal · 1998 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 1998–2003
2 sentences

1998(Id. at p. 534 (dis. opn. of Richardson, J.) [predicting the Geiger rule would lead to “unsound compromise verdicts”]; see also Hopkins v. Reeves, supra, 524 U.S. at p. __ [ 118 S.Ct. at p. 1902 ] [requiring instructions on lesser related offenses “ ‘detracts from, rather than enhances, the rationality of the process.’ [Citation.]”].) Although I agree with the analysis and holding in this case, for the reasons stated in my dissenting opinion in People v. Breverman (1998) 19 Cal.4th 142, 195-202 [ 77 Cal.Rptr. 870 , 960 P.2d 1094 ], I do not subscribe to those portions of the majority opinion d

1998(Id. at p. 534 (dis. opn. of Richardson, J.) [predicting the Geiger rule would lead to “unsound compromise verdicts”]; see also Hopkins v. Reeves, supra, 524 U.S. at p. __ [ 118 S.Ct. at p. 1902 ] [requiring instructions on lesser related offenses “ ‘detracts from, rather than enhances, the rationality of the process.’ [Citation.]”].) Although I agree with the analysis and holding in this case, for the reasons stated in my dissenting opinion in People v. Breverman (1998) 19 Cal.4th 142, 195-202 [ 77 Cal.Rptr. 870 , 960 P.2d 1094 ], I do not subscribe to those portions of the majority opinion d

22
People v. Geigerred
cal · 1984 · cited in 6 California opinions naming this issue, 1987–2013
2 sentences

2013Regardless of prejudice to the prosecution, the defendant may insist that the jury be instructed on the lesser offense, thereby acquiring a third-option hedge against conviction of the charged offense, [f] Where lesser related offenses are concerned, the Geiger rule therefore may actually permit and encourage a one-sided use of the ‘gambling hall’ strategies we have consistently denounced.” (Birks, supra, 19 Cal.4th at p. 128, citing People v. Geiger (1984) 35 Cal.3d 510 [ 199 Cal.Rptr. 45 , 674 P.2d 1303 ].) Barrick represents an unreasoned departure from otherwise settled precedent governing

2013Regardless of prejudice to the prosecution, the defendant may insist that the jury be instructed on the lesser offense, thereby acquiring a third-option hedge against conviction of the charged offense, [f] Where lesser related offenses are concerned, the Geiger rule therefore may actually permit and encourage a one-sided use of the ‘gambling hall’ strategies we have consistently denounced.” (Birks, supra, 19 Cal.4th at p. 128, citing People v. Geiger (1984) 35 Cal.3d 510 [ 199 Cal.Rptr. 45 , 674 P.2d 1303 ].) Barrick represents an unreasoned departure from otherwise settled precedent governing

16
Obrien v. Jonesgreen
cal · 2000 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015(Cf. Obrien v. Jones (2000) 23 Cal.4th 40, 78 [ 96 Cal.Rptr.2d 205 , 999 P.2d 95 ] [generally discussing remedies for violations of separation of power].) The Birks court rejected Geiger's rule of mandatory instruction on lesser related offenses in part because it implicated the separation of powers.

2015(Cf. Obrien v. Jones (2000) 23 Cal.4th 40, 78 [ 96 Cal.Rptr.2d 205 , 999 P.2d 95 ] [generally discussing remedies for violations of separation of power].) The Birks court rejected Geiger's rule of mandatory instruction on lesser related offenses in part because it implicated the separation of powers.

11
Hopkins v. Reevesgreen
scotus · 1998 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998In short, Geiger attempted to solve a nonexistent problem by imposing a requirement that was “not only unprecedented, but also unworkable.” (Hopkins v. Reeves (1998) 524 U.S. 88 , __ [ 118 S.Ct. 1895, 1901 , 141 L.Ed.2d 76 ]; see maj. opn., ante, at p. 131 [citing more than a dozen examples of the confusion wrought by the Geiger rule].) In practice, Geiger probably did more to jeopardize the “reliability of the fact finding process” (Geiger, supra, 35 Cal.3d at p. 520 ) than to protect it.

1998In short, Geiger attempted to solve a nonexistent problem by imposing a requirement that was “not only unprecedented, but also unworkable.” (Hopkins v. Reeves (1998) 524 U.S. 88 , __ [ 118 S.Ct. 1895, 1901 , 141 L.Ed.2d 76 ]; see maj. opn., ante, at p. 131 [citing more than a dozen examples of the confusion wrought by the Geiger rule].) In practice, Geiger probably did more to jeopardize the “reliability of the fact finding process” (Geiger, supra, 35 Cal.3d at p. 520 ) than to protect it.

11
People v. Scottgreen
cal · 1994 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998(See, e.g., People v. Scott (1994) 9 Cal.4th 331, 357-358 [ 36 Cal.Rptr.2d 627 , 885 P.2d 1040 ]; People v. Welch (1993) 5 Cal.4th 228, 237-238 [ 19 Cal.Rptr.2d 520 , 851 P.2d 802 ].) Indeed, defendant in this case fully preserved his Geiger claim for appeal by requesting lesser related offense instructions.

1998(See, e.g., People v. Scott (1994) 9 Cal.4th 331, 357-358 [ 36 Cal.Rptr.2d 627 , 885 P.2d 1040 ]; People v. Welch (1993) 5 Cal.4th 228, 237-238 [ 19 Cal.Rptr.2d 520 , 851 P.2d 802 ].) Indeed, defendant in this case fully preserved his Geiger claim for appeal by requesting lesser related offense instructions.

11
People v. Welchgreen
cal · 1993 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998(See, e.g., People v. Scott (1994) 9 Cal.4th 331, 357-358 [ 36 Cal.Rptr.2d 627 , 885 P.2d 1040 ]; People v. Welch (1993) 5 Cal.4th 228, 237-238 [ 19 Cal.Rptr.2d 520 , 851 P.2d 802 ].) Indeed, defendant in this case fully preserved his Geiger claim for appeal by requesting lesser related offense instructions.

1998(See, e.g., People v. Scott (1994) 9 Cal.4th 331, 357-358 [ 36 Cal.Rptr.2d 627 , 885 P.2d 1040 ]; People v. Welch (1993) 5 Cal.4th 228, 237-238 [ 19 Cal.Rptr.2d 520 , 851 P.2d 802 ].) Indeed, defendant in this case fully preserved his Geiger claim for appeal by requesting lesser related offense instructions.

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (13)

CaseCitedYears
People v. Watson green
cal · 1981
2 sentences

2019In drunk driving cases like this one, "a defendant may be charged with second degree murder upon facts which also would support a charge of vehicular manslaughter." ( Watson , supra , 30 Cal.3d at p. 299 , 179 Cal.Rptr. 43 , 637 P.2d 279 .) It is the prosecutor's role to decide what charges (and thereby what lesser included offenses) are presented to the jury. ( Hicks , supra , 4 Cal.5th at p. 211 ; Birks , supra , 19 Cal.4th at p. 134 , 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 .) Ortega 's"expanded" accusatory pleading test would interfere with this charging authority by requiring sua sponte instru

2019In drunk driving cases like this one, "a defendant may be charged with second degree murder upon facts which also would support a charge of vehicular manslaughter." ( Watson , supra , 30 Cal.3d at p. 299 , 179 Cal.Rptr. 43 , 637 P.2d 279 .) It is the prosecutor's role to decide what charges (and thereby what lesser included offenses) are presented to the jury. ( Hicks , supra , 4 Cal.5th at p. 211 ; Birks , supra , 19 Cal.4th at p. 134 , 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 .) Ortega 's"expanded" accusatory pleading test would interfere with this charging authority by requiring sua sponte instru

12019–2019
People v. Taylor green
cal · 2010
2 sentences

2019This result necessarily interferes with a prosecutor's discretion to decide what charges to bring and try. ( Birks , at p. 134, 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 ; Hicks , at p. 211, 226 Cal.Rptr.3d 565 , 407 P.3d 409 .) Focusing on the amended information alone ( Macias , supra , 26 Cal.App.5th at p. 964 , 237 Cal.Rptr.3d 583 ; Munoz , supra , 31 Cal.App.5th at p. 158 , 242 Cal.Rptr.3d 314 ), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is a lesser related offense but not a lesser included offense of Watson murder. "[I]nstruction on a lesser related offense is proper only *238 upon the mut

2019This result necessarily interferes with a prosecutor's discretion to decide what charges to bring and try. ( Birks , at p. 134, 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 ; Hicks , at p. 211, 226 Cal.Rptr.3d 565 , 407 P.3d 409 .) Focusing on the amended information alone ( Macias , supra , 26 Cal.App.5th at p. 964 , 237 Cal.Rptr.3d 583 ; Munoz , supra , 31 Cal.App.5th at p. 158 , 242 Cal.Rptr.3d 314 ), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is a lesser related offense but not a lesser included offense of Watson murder. "[I]nstruction on a lesser related offense is proper only *238 upon the mut

12019–2019
People v. Macias green
calctapp5d · 2018
2 sentences

2019This result necessarily interferes with a prosecutor's discretion to decide what charges to bring and try. ( Birks , at p. 134, 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 ; Hicks , at p. 211, 226 Cal.Rptr.3d 565 , 407 P.3d 409 .) Focusing on the amended information alone ( Macias , supra , 26 Cal.App.5th at p. 964 , 237 Cal.Rptr.3d 583 ; Munoz , supra , 31 Cal.App.5th at p. 158 , 242 Cal.Rptr.3d 314 ), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is a lesser related offense but not a lesser included offense of Watson murder. "[I]nstruction on a lesser related offense is proper only *238 upon the mut

2019This result necessarily interferes with a prosecutor's discretion to decide what charges to bring and try. ( Birks , at p. 134, 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 ; Hicks , at p. 211, 226 Cal.Rptr.3d 565 , 407 P.3d 409 .) Focusing on the amended information alone ( Macias , supra , 26 Cal.App.5th at p. 964 , 237 Cal.Rptr.3d 583 ; Munoz , supra , 31 Cal.App.5th at p. 158 , 242 Cal.Rptr.3d 314 ), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is a lesser related offense but not a lesser included offense of Watson murder. "[I]nstruction on a lesser related offense is proper only *238 upon the mut

12019–2019
People v. Munoz green
calctapp5d · 2019
2 sentences

2019This result necessarily interferes with a prosecutor's discretion to decide what charges to bring and try. ( Birks , at p. 134, 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 ; Hicks , at p. 211, 226 Cal.Rptr.3d 565 , 407 P.3d 409 .) Focusing on the amended information alone ( Macias , supra , 26 Cal.App.5th at p. 964 , 237 Cal.Rptr.3d 583 ; Munoz , supra , 31 Cal.App.5th at p. 158 , 242 Cal.Rptr.3d 314 ), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is a lesser related offense but not a lesser included offense of Watson murder. "[I]nstruction on a lesser related offense is proper only *238 upon the mut

2019This result necessarily interferes with a prosecutor's discretion to decide what charges to bring and try. ( Birks , at p. 134, 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 848 , 960 P.2d 1073 ; Hicks , at p. 211, 226 Cal.Rptr.3d 565 , 407 P.3d 409 .) Focusing on the amended information alone ( Macias , supra , 26 Cal.App.5th at p. 964 , 237 Cal.Rptr.3d 583 ; Munoz , supra , 31 Cal.App.5th at p. 158 , 242 Cal.Rptr.3d 314 ), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is a lesser related offense but not a lesser included offense of Watson murder. "[I]nstruction on a lesser related offense is proper only *238 upon the mut

12019–2019
People v. Miller green
calctapp · 1994
2 sentences

2003(See People v. Geiger (1984) 35 Cal.3d 510 , 528 ; People v. Miller (1994) 28 Cal.App.4th 522 , 527 .) The Geiger rule requiring instruction on lesser related offenses is defunct.

2003(See People v. Geiger (1984) 35 Cal.3d 510 , 528 ; People v. Miller (1994) 28 Cal.App.4th 522 , 527 .) The Geiger rule requiring instruction on lesser related offenses is defunct.

12003–2003
People v. Cuevas green
cal · 1995
2 sentences

1998Defendant does not suggest his case would have been conducted differently absent the Geiger rule (see Cuevas, supra, at p. 276 , 48 Cal.Rptr.2d 135 , 906 P.2d 1290 ), and neither he nor any other defendant could easily make such a claim.

1998Defendant does not suggest his case would have been conducted differently absent the Geiger rule (see Cuevas, supra, at p. 276 , 48 Cal.Rptr.2d 135 , 906 P.2d 1290 ), and neither he nor any other defendant could easily make such a claim.

11998–1998
People v. Barton green
cal · 1995
2 sentences

1998Martin (1970) 1 Cal.3d 524, 533 , 83 Cal.Rptr. 166 , 463 P.2d 390 .) Within the last three years, we have confirmed in particular that the defendant 's tactical objections cannot prevent the giving of instructions on lesser necessarily included offenses supported by the evidence. ( Barton, supra, 12 Cal.4th at pp. 196-198, 47 Cal.Rptr.2d 569 , 906 P.2d 531 .) We suggested, among other things, that a contrary rule would be "unfair to the prosecution, " because it would give the defendant unilateral power to force an all-or-nothing verdict when the trial evidence constituted less than conclusive

1998Martin (1970) 1 Cal.3d 524, 533 , 83 Cal.Rptr. 166 , 463 P.2d 390 .) Within the last three years, we have confirmed in particular that the defendant 's tactical objections cannot prevent the giving of instructions on lesser necessarily included offenses supported by the evidence. ( Barton, supra, 12 Cal.4th at pp. 196-198, 47 Cal.Rptr.2d 569 , 906 P.2d 531 .) We suggested, among other things, that a contrary rule would be "unfair to the prosecution, " because it would give the defendant unilateral power to force an all-or-nothing verdict when the trial evidence constituted less than conclusive

11998–1998
People v. St. Martin green
cal · 1970
2 sentences

1998Martin (1970) 1 Cal.3d 524, 533 , 83 Cal.Rptr. 166 , 463 P.2d 390 .) Within the last three years, we have confirmed in particular that the defendant 's tactical objections cannot prevent the giving of instructions on lesser necessarily included offenses supported by the evidence. ( Barton, supra, 12 Cal.4th at pp. 196-198, 47 Cal.Rptr.2d 569 , 906 P.2d 531 .) We suggested, among other things, that a contrary rule would be "unfair to the prosecution, " because it would give the defendant unilateral power to force an all-or-nothing verdict when the trial evidence constituted less than conclusive

1998Martin (1970) 1 Cal.3d 524, 533 , 83 Cal.Rptr. 166 , 463 P.2d 390 .) Within the last three years, we have confirmed in particular that the defendant 's tactical objections cannot prevent the giving of instructions on lesser necessarily included offenses supported by the evidence. ( Barton, supra, 12 Cal.4th at pp. 196-198, 47 Cal.Rptr.2d 569 , 906 P.2d 531 .) We suggested, among other things, that a contrary rule would be "unfair to the prosecution, " because it would give the defendant unilateral power to force an all-or-nothing verdict when the trial evidence constituted less than conclusive

11998–1998
People v. Latimer green
cal · 1993
2 sentences

1998There has been no legislative reliance (cf. Latimer, supra, at p. 1214 , 23 Cal. Rptr.2d 144 , 858 P.2d 611 , and cases cited) on the Geiger rule, and we can conceive of no institutional or societal reliance so deeply rooted that such a change in the law would cause widespread inconvenience or harm.

1998There has been no legislative reliance (cf. Latimer, supra, at p. 1214 , 23 Cal. Rptr.2d 144 , 858 P.2d 611 , and cases cited) on the Geiger rule, and we can conceive of no institutional or societal reliance so deeply rooted that such a change in the law would cause widespread inconvenience or harm.

11998–1998
People v. Blevins green
calctapp · 1990
2 sentences

1993Quoting People v. Blevins (1990) 220 Cal.App.3d 1413 at page 1417 [ 270 Cal.Rptr. 172 ], we concluded, “[T]he second prerequisite is established when the evidence offered by either side [which would support the giving of instructions on a lesser related offense] is relevant to and was admitted for the purpose of establishing whether the defendant is guilty [vel non] of the charged offense.” (Farrow, supra, 13 Cal.App.4th at p. 1623 , italics omitted.) We noted that *1258 the actual wording of Geiger's “closely related” criterion focused “on the evidence adduced at trial to establish whether th

1993Quoting People v. Blevins (1990) 220 Cal.App.3d 1413 at page 1417 [ 270 Cal.Rptr. 172 ], we concluded, “[T]he second prerequisite is established when the evidence offered by either side [which would support the giving of instructions on a lesser related offense] is relevant to and was admitted for the purpose of establishing whether the defendant is guilty [vel non] of the charged offense.” (Farrow, supra, 13 Cal.App.4th at p. 1623 , italics omitted.) We noted that *1258 the actual wording of Geiger's “closely related” criterion focused “on the evidence adduced at trial to establish whether th

11993–1993
People v. Farrow green
calctapp · 1993
2 sentences

1993In People v. Farrow (1993) 13 Cal.App.4th 1606 [ 16 Cal.Rptr.2d 844 ], we recently discussed how to determine whether the second prong of the Geiger test has been met.

1993In People v. Farrow (1993) 13 Cal.App.4th 1606 [ 16 Cal.Rptr.2d 844 ], we recently discussed how to determine whether the second prong of the Geiger test has been met.

11993–1993
People v. Toro green
cal · 1989
2 sentences

1990(People v. Toro, supra, 47 Cal.3d at p. 974 .) Viewed in this manner, we conclude that Blevins cannot satisfy this prong of the Geiger test.

1990(People v. Toro, supra, 47 Cal.3d at p. 974 .) Viewed in this manner, we conclude that Blevins cannot satisfy this prong of the Geiger test.

11990–1990
People v. Brooks green
calctapp · 1942
2 sentences

1988Such a law would accomplish a broader waiver than that specified in Penal Code section 805, subdivision (b) for lesser included offenses. ([People v. Brooks (1942) 50 Cal.App.2d 610 [ 123 P.2d 556 ].) I consider the distinction appropriate because a defendant need not move a muscle in order to secure instructions on lesser included offenses whereas a Geiger motion entails an affirmative step, analogous to a motion for new trial or an appeal, which as a matter of common sense connotes a waiver of the statute of limitations.

1988Such a law would accomplish a broader waiver than that specified in Penal Code section 805, subdivision (b) for lesser included offenses. ([People v. Brooks (1942) 50 Cal.App.2d 610 [ 123 P.2d 556 ].) I consider the distinction appropriate because a defendant need not move a muscle in order to secure instructions on lesser included offenses whereas a Geiger motion entails an affirmative step, analogous to a motion for new trial or an appeal, which as a matter of common sense connotes a waiver of the statute of limitations.

11988–1988

Statutes the citing opinions construe

CA § Cal. Penal Code § 187 (5) CA § Cal. Vehicle Code § 23153 (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

CA 13 (1987–2019) OH 9 (2006–2016) PA 4 (2013–2020) GA 2 (1997–2014)

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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