felony-murder doctrine (Alabama) · Go Syfert
← Alabama issues

felony-murder doctrine in Alabama

74 Alabama opinions name it 2 courts 1978–2026 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Alabama 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 (42)

CaseFollowedCited
White v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1990 · cited in 10 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1992–2024
2 sentences

2024Here, there was no reasonable theory to support a charge on felony-murder. ' "The purpose of the felony-murder doctrine is to hold felons accountable for unintended deaths caused by their dangerous conduct." ' White v. State, 587 So. 2d 1218, 1231 (Ala. Cr.

2010(Emphasis added.) As Judge Bowen stated in White v. State, 587 So.2d 1218, 1231 (Ala.Cr.App. 1990), affd, 587 So.2d 1236 (Ala.1991), cert, denied, 502 U.S. 1076 , 112 S.Ct. 979 , 117 L.Ed.2d 142 (1992): “ ‘ “ ‘The purpose of the felony-murder doctrine is to hold felons accountable for unintended deaths caused by their dangerous conduct.’ W.

710
Ex Parte Woodallgreen
ala · 1998 · cited in 8 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2007–2026
2 sentences

2018When considering whether the State provided sufficient evidence demonstrating the defendant had the requisite specific intent to kill, this Court has recently stated: " 'No defendant can be found guilty of a capital offense unless he had an intent to kill, and that intent to kill cannot be supplied by the felony-murder doctrine.' Ex parte Woodall , 730 So.2d 652 , 657 (Ala. 1998).

2018When considering whether the State provided sufficient evidence demonstrating the defendant had the requisite specific intent to kill, this Court has recently stated: " 'No defendant can be found guilty of a capital offense unless he had an intent to kill, and that intent to kill cannot be supplied by the felony-murder doctrine.' Ex parte Woodall , 730 So.2d 652 , 657 (Ala. 1998).

68
Beck v. Stategreen
ala · 1981 · cited in 11 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1984–2014
2 sentences

2014Beck v. State, 396 So.2d 645, 662 (Ala. March 6, 1981)’; Carnes, Alabama’s 1981 Capital Punishment Statute, 42 Ala. Law. 456, 468 (1981).

1988"No defendant is guilty of a capital offense unless he had an intent to kill, and that intent to kill cannot be supplied by the felony murder doctrine." Lewis v. State , 456 So.2d 413 , 414 (Ala.Cr.App. 1984) (quoting from Beck v. State , 396 So.2d 645 , 662 (Ala. 1981)). "[T]he accomplice liability doctrine may be used to convict a non-triggerman accomplice, if, but only if, the defendant was an accomplice in the intentional killing as opposed to being an accomplice merely in the underlying felony." Ex parte Raines , 429 So.2d 1111 , 1112 (Ala. 1982), cert. denied, 460 U.S. 1103 , 103 S.Ct. 1

511
Womack v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1983 · cited in 6 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1990–2011
2 sentences

2011See Smith v. State, 908 So.2d 273, 297 (Ala.Crim.App.2000); Freeman v. State, 555 So.2d 196, 208 (Ala.Crim.App.1988) (noting that “the trial judge extensively instructed the jury on the difference between capital murder, felony murder, and intentional murder”); Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Crim.App.1983) (trial court instructed the jury on “the intent required for a capital felony, on the felony murder doctrine and on the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and the intent required for the lesser included offense of non-capital murder”); Womack v. State, 43

2006See Womack v. State, 435 So.2d 754, 763 (Ala.Crim.App.), aff 'd, 435 So.2d 766 (Ala.1983), cert. denied, 464 U.S. 986 (1983) (the trial court properly instructed the jury as to the ‘intent to kill requirement’ by instructing the jury that the felony murder doctrine was relevant only as a lesser included offense of noncapital murder, and that the jury could not convict the defendant for capital murder without finding beyond a reasonable doubt that he had possessed the intent to kill); Ex parte Jackson, 674 So.2d 1365, 1367-68 (Ala.1994) (instruction on felony murder as a lesser included offense

46
Davis v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1983 · cited in 4 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1991–2011
2 sentences

2011See Smith v. State, 908 So.2d 273, 297 (Ala.Crim.App.2000); Freeman v. State, 555 So.2d 196, 208 (Ala.Crim.App.1988) (noting that “the trial judge extensively instructed the jury on the difference between capital murder, felony murder, and intentional murder”); Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Crim.App.1983) (trial court instructed the jury on “the intent required for a capital felony, on the felony murder doctrine and on the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and the intent required for the lesser included offense of non-capital murder”); Womack v. State, 43

2001Compare Freeman v. State, 555 So.2d 196, 208 (Ala.Cr.App.1988) (‘the trial judge extensively instructed the jury on the difference between capital murder, felony murder, and intentional murder’), affirmed, 555 So.2d 215 (Ala.1989), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 912 , 110 S.Ct. 2604 , 110 L.Ed.2d 284 (1990); Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Cr.App.1983) (trial court instructed jury on ‘the intent required for a capital felony, on the felony murder doctrine, and on the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and the intent required for the lesser included offense of noncap

34
State v. Strauchgreen
kan · 1986 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2000–2018
2 sentences

2018See State v. Strauch , 239 Kan. 203 , 718 P.2d 613 (1986), and Note, The Merger Doctrine as a Limitation on the Felony-Murder Rule: A Balance of Criminal Law Principles , 13 Wake Forest L.

2018See State v. Strauch , 239 Kan. 203 , 718 P.2d 613 (1986), and Note, The Merger Doctrine as a Limitation on the Felony-Murder Rule: A Balance of Criminal Law Principles , 13 Wake Forest L.

33
Ziegler v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 2003 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2010–2014
2 sentences

2014App.2000); Flowers v. State, 799 So.2d 966, 984 (Ala.Crim.App.1999); Duncan v. State, 827 So.2d 838, 848 (Ala. Crim.App.1999).’ “Ziegler v. State, 886 So.2d 127, 140 (Ala.Crim.App.2003). • “ ■ “ ‘[N]o defendant' is guilty of a capital offense unless he had an intent to kill, and that intent to kill cannot be supplied by the felony murder doctrine.

2014E.g., Gamble v. State, 791 So.2d 409, 444 (Ala.Crim.App. 2000); Flowers v. State, 799 So.2d 966, 984 (Ala.Crim.App.1999); Duncan v. State, 827 So.2d 838, 848 (Ala.Crim.App. 1999).’ ” (Quoting Ziegler v. State, 886 So.2d 127, 140 (Ala.Crim.App.2003).) Further, “ ‘ “ ‘no defendant is guilty of a capital offense unless he had an intent to kill, and that intent to kill cannot be supplied by the felony murder doctrine.

33
Duncan v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1999 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2010–2014
2 sentences

2014App.2000); Flowers v. State, 799 So.2d 966, 984 (Ala.Crim.App.1999); Duncan v. State, 827 So.2d 838, 848 (Ala. Crim.App.1999).’ “Ziegler v. State, 886 So.2d 127, 140 (Ala.Crim.App.2003). • “ ■ “ ‘[N]o defendant' is guilty of a capital offense unless he had an intent to kill, and that intent to kill cannot be supplied by the felony murder doctrine.

2014E.g., Gamble v. State, 791 So.2d 409, 444 (Ala.Crim.App. 2000); Flowers v. State, 799 So.2d 966, 984 (Ala.Crim.App.1999); Duncan v. State, 827 So.2d 838, 848 (Ala.Crim.App. 1999).’ ” (Quoting Ziegler v. State, 886 So.2d 127, 140 (Ala.Crim.App.2003).) Further, “ ‘ “ ‘no defendant is guilty of a capital offense unless he had an intent to kill, and that intent to kill cannot be supplied by the felony murder doctrine.

33
Flowers v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 2000 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2010–2014
2 sentences

2014App.2000); Flowers v. State, 799 So.2d 966, 984 (Ala.Crim.App.1999); Duncan v. State, 827 So.2d 838, 848 (Ala. Crim.App.1999).’ “Ziegler v. State, 886 So.2d 127, 140 (Ala.Crim.App.2003). • “ ■ “ ‘[N]o defendant' is guilty of a capital offense unless he had an intent to kill, and that intent to kill cannot be supplied by the felony murder doctrine.

2014E.g., Gamble v. State, 791 So.2d 409, 444 (Ala.Crim.App. 2000); Flowers v. State, 799 So.2d 966, 984 (Ala.Crim.App.1999); Duncan v. State, 827 So.2d 838, 848 (Ala.Crim.App. 1999).’ ” (Quoting Ziegler v. State, 886 So.2d 127, 140 (Ala.Crim.App.2003).) Further, “ ‘ “ ‘no defendant is guilty of a capital offense unless he had an intent to kill, and that intent to kill cannot be supplied by the felony murder doctrine.

33
Freeman v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1988 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1991–2011
2 sentences

2011See Smith v. State, 908 So.2d 273, 297 (Ala.Crim.App.2000); Freeman v. State, 555 So.2d 196, 208 (Ala.Crim.App.1988) (noting that “the trial judge extensively instructed the jury on the difference between capital murder, felony murder, and intentional murder”); Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Crim.App.1983) (trial court instructed the jury on “the intent required for a capital felony, on the felony murder doctrine and on the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and the intent required for the lesser included offense of non-capital murder”); Womack v. State, 43

2001Compare Freeman v. State, 555 So.2d 196, 208 (Ala.Cr.App.1988) (‘the trial judge extensively instructed the jury on the difference between capital murder, felony murder, and intentional murder’), affirmed, 555 So.2d 215 (Ala.1989), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 912 , 110 S.Ct. 2604 , 110 L.Ed.2d 284 (1990); Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Cr.App.1983) (trial court instructed jury on ‘the intent required for a capital felony, on the felony murder doctrine, and on the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and the intent required for the lesser included offense of noncap

33
Bellcourt v. Stategreen
minn · 1986 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1994–2009
2 sentences

2009In Minnesota the felony-murder rule applies whenever the felony and the homicide ‘are part of one continuous transaction.’ Bellcourt v. State, 390 N.W.2d 269, 274 (Minn.1986) [quoting Kochevar v. State, 281 N.W.2d 680 , 686-87 n. 4 (Minn.1979)].

2003In Minnesota the felony-murder rule applies whenever the felony and the homicide "are part of one continuous transaction." Bellcourt v. State, 390 N.W.2d 269, 274 (Minn.1986) [quoting Kochevar v. State, 281 N.W.2d 680 , 686-87 n. 4 (Minn.1979)].

33
Ex Parte State of Alabamagreen
ala · 1986 · cited in 4 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1990–1996
2 sentences

1996See also Connolly v. State , 500 So.2d 57 , 62 (Ala.Cr.App. 1985) (doctrine of felony murder 'has no place in securing a conviction' for capital robbery-murder), affirmed, 500 So.2d 68 (Ala. 1986); Daniel v. Thigpen , 742 F. Supp. 1535 , 1549 (M.D.Ala. 1990) (reckless murder not sufficient to support a conviction where defendant was charged with the capital offense of murder of a police officer under former § 13A-5-31(a)(5)). ". . . .

1995App.1985), aff'd, 500 So.2d 68 (1986)." "In a capital murder case, intent to kill may not be supplied by the felony murder doctrine, that is, should the circumstances fall short of proving an intentional killing during the course of a robbery, and should the circumstances fall short of proving that an intent to rob was formed prior to the victim being killed, then the crime is not capital murder but some lesser included offense thereof." A review of the charge given by the trial court to the jury indicates that the jury was fully informed of the elements of the offense of capital murder during

24
Coulter v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1982 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1994–1999
23
Ex Parte Jesse Lee Morrisongreen
ala · 1986 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1990–1996
23
Gamble v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 2000 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2010–2014
22
State v. Nielsengreen
minn · 1991 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2003–2009
22
Ex Parte Freemangreen
ala · 1989 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1991–2001
22
In re McFaddengreen
scotus · 1990 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1991–2001
22
Acosta v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1990 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1991–2001
22
Tucker v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1994 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
22
Ex Parte Womackgreen
ala · 1983 · cited in 5 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1990–2006
2 sentences

2006See Womack v. State, 435 So.2d 754, 763 (Ala.Crim.App.), aff 'd, 435 So.2d 766 (Ala.1983), cert. denied, 464 U.S. 986 (1983) (the trial court properly instructed the jury as to the ‘intent to kill requirement’ by instructing the jury that the felony murder doctrine was relevant only as a lesser included offense of noncapital murder, and that the jury could not convict the defendant for capital murder without finding beyond a reasonable doubt that he had possessed the intent to kill); Ex parte Jackson, 674 So.2d 1365, 1367-68 (Ala.1994) (instruction on felony murder as a lesser included offense

2001Compare Freeman v. State, 555 So.2d 196, 208 (Ala.Cr.App.1988) (‘the trial judge extensively instructed the jury on the difference between capital murder, felony murder, and intentional murder’), affirmed, 555 So.2d 215 (Ala.1989), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 912 , 110 S.Ct. 2604 , 110 L.Ed.2d 284 (1990); Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Cr.App.1983) (trial court instructed jury on ‘the intent required for a capital felony, on the felony murder doctrine, and on the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and the intent required for the lesser included offense of noncap

15
Salser v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1983 · cited in 5 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1990–2006
2 sentences

2006See Womack v. State, 435 So.2d 754, 763 (Ala.Crim.App.), aff 'd, 435 So.2d 766 (Ala.1983), cert. denied, 464 U.S. 986 (1983) (the trial court properly instructed the jury as to the ‘intent to kill requirement’ by instructing the jury that the felony murder doctrine was relevant only as a lesser included offense of noncapital murder, and that the jury could not convict the defendant for capital murder without finding beyond a reasonable doubt that he had possessed the intent to kill); Ex parte Jackson, 674 So.2d 1365, 1367-68 (Ala.1994) (instruction on felony murder as a lesser included offense

2001Compare Freeman v. State, 555 So.2d 196, 208 (Ala.Cr.App.1988) (‘the trial judge extensively instructed the jury on the difference between capital murder, felony murder, and intentional murder’), affirmed, 555 So.2d 215 (Ala.1989), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 912 , 110 S.Ct. 2604 , 110 L.Ed.2d 284 (1990); Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Cr.App.1983) (trial court instructed jury on ‘the intent required for a capital felony, on the felony murder doctrine, and on the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and the intent required for the lesser included offense of noncap

15
Seaton v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1994 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2013–2018
2 sentences

2018However, ' "[i]ntent, ... being a state or condition of the mind, is rarely, if ever, susceptible of direct or positive proof, and must usually be inferred from the facts testified to by witnesses and the circumstances as developed by the evidence." ' Seaton v. State , 645 So.2d 341 , 343 (Ala. Crim.

2018However, ' "[i]ntent, ... being a state or condition of the mind, is rarely, if ever, susceptible of direct or positive proof, and must usually be inferred from the facts testified to by witnesses and the circumstances as developed by the evidence." ' Seaton v. State , 645 So.2d 341 , 343 (Ala. Crim.

13
Smith v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 2000 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2011–2018
12
Crowe v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1983 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1990–2000
12
Enmund v. Floridagreen
scotus · 1982 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1983–1998
12
Hall v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1999 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11
Donald Dwayne Whatley v. State of Alabama.green
alacrimapp · 2010 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11
Contreras v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 2016 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
11
Scott v. Stategreen
ala · 1979 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
11
McCord v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1986 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
11
Ex Parte Glenngreen
ala · 1981 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
11
Ex Parte Woodgreen
ala · 1998 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
11
Pearson v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1992 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
11
Jenkins v. Stategreen
del · 1967 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
Smith v. Stategreen
minnctapp · 1999 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
Ex Parte Jacksongreen
ala · 1994 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
State v. Wallacegreen
me · 1975 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
MacEwan v. Stategreen
alacrimapp · 1997 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11
People v. Hansenred
cal · 1994 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (38)

CaseCitedYears
Ex Parte White green
ala · 1991
2 sentences

2010(Emphasis added.) As Judge Bowen stated in White v. State, 587 So.2d 1218, 1231 (Ala.Cr.App. 1990), affd, 587 So.2d 1236 (Ala.1991), cert, denied, 502 U.S. 1076 , 112 S.Ct. 979 , 117 L.Ed.2d 142 (1992): “ ‘ “ ‘The purpose of the felony-murder doctrine is to hold felons accountable for unintended deaths caused by their dangerous conduct.’ W.

2010Here, there was no reasonable theory to support a charge on felony-murder. “ ‘The purpose of the felony-murder doctrine is to hold felons accountable for unintended deaths caused by their dangerous conduct.’ ” White v. State, 587 So.2d 1218, 1231 (Ala.Cr.App.1990), affd, 587 So.2d 1236 (Ala.1991), cert, denied, 502 U.S. 1076 , 112 S.Ct. 979 , 117 L.Ed.2d 142 (1992).

91992–2024
Thomas v. 3201 Caughey Road green
scotus · 1992
2 sentences

2010(Emphasis added.) As Judge Bowen stated in White v. State, 587 So.2d 1218, 1231 (Ala.Cr.App. 1990), affd, 587 So.2d 1236 (Ala.1991), cert, denied, 502 U.S. 1076 , 112 S.Ct. 979 , 117 L.Ed.2d 142 (1992): “ ‘ “ ‘The purpose of the felony-murder doctrine is to hold felons accountable for unintended deaths caused by their dangerous conduct.’ W.

2010(Emphasis added.) As Judge Bowen stated in White v. State, 587 So.2d 1218, 1231 (Ala.Cr.App. 1990), affd, 587 So.2d 1236 (Ala.1991), cert, denied, 502 U.S. 1076 , 112 S.Ct. 979 , 117 L.Ed.2d 142 (1992): “ ‘ “ ‘The purpose of the felony-murder doctrine is to hold felons accountable for unintended deaths caused by their dangerous conduct.’ W.

81992–2024
Schulz v. Washington County green
scotus · 1992
2 sentences

2010(Emphasis added.) As Judge Bowen stated in White v. State, 587 So.2d 1218, 1231 (Ala.Cr.App. 1990), affd, 587 So.2d 1236 (Ala.1991), cert, denied, 502 U.S. 1076 , 112 S.Ct. 979 , 117 L.Ed.2d 142 (1992): “ ‘ “ ‘The purpose of the felony-murder doctrine is to hold felons accountable for unintended deaths caused by their dangerous conduct.’ W.

2010Here, there was no reasonable theory to support a charge on felony-murder. “ ‘The purpose of the felony-murder doctrine is to hold felons accountable for unintended deaths caused by their dangerous conduct.’ ” White v. State, 587 So.2d 1218, 1231 (Ala.Cr.App.1990), affd, 587 So.2d 1236 (Ala.1991), cert, denied, 502 U.S. 1076 , 112 S.Ct. 979 , 117 L.Ed.2d 142 (1992).

71994–2024
Ex Parte Ritter green
ala · 1979
2 sentences

1990"Now, you would also, at that point consider the intent, consider what I said about that. [The trial court then repeated the instructions on intent quoted above]." (Emphasis added.) Nowhere in his instructions did the trial court charge the jury that in order to find the defendant guilty of the capital offense charged in the indictment, the jury had to find that the defendant was an accomplice in the intentional killing as opposed to being an accomplice merely in the robbery. "[I]n a prosecution for a capital offense, the felony-murder doctrine has no place in securing a conviction of the offe

1985Although, in a prosecution for a capital offense, the felony-murder doctrine has no place in securing a conviction of the offense charged, Alabama Code 1975, § 13A-5-40 (c); Ex parte Ritter , 375 So.2d 270 , 273-75 (Ala. 1979), vacated on other grounds, Ritter v. Alabama , 448 U.S. 903 , 100 S.Ct. 3044 , 65 L.Ed.2d 1133 (1980), this same principle is applicable in a capital case — an accused is not guilty of capital robbery-murder where the intent to rob was formed only after the victim was killed.

71980–1990
Mitchell v. State green
alacrimapp · 1997
2 sentences

2013Felony murder, on the other hand, does not require the specific intent to kill; it requires only the intent to commit the underlying felony. § 13A-6 — 2(a)(3), Ala.Code 1975; Mitchell v. State, 706 So.2d 787 (Ala.Crim.App. 1997).

2010Felony murder, on the other hand, does not require the specific intent to kill; it requires only the intent to commit the underlying felony. § 13A-6-2(a)(3), Ala.Code 1975; Mitchell v. State, 706 So.2d 787 (Ala.Crim.App.1997).

52007–2013
Hydroculture, Inc. v. Coopers green
scotus · 1983
2 sentences

2001Compare Freeman v. State, 555 So.2d 196, 208 (Ala.Cr.App.1988) (‘the trial judge extensively instructed the jury on the difference between capital murder, felony murder, and intentional murder’), affirmed, 555 So.2d 215 (Ala.1989), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 912 , 110 S.Ct. 2604 , 110 L.Ed.2d 284 (1990); Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Cr.App.1983) (trial court instructed jury on ‘the intent required for a capital felony, on the felony murder doctrine, and on the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and the intent required for the lesser included offense of noncap

1997Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Cr.App. 1983), cert. denied, 465 U.S. 1083 , 104 S.Ct. 1452 , 79 L.Ed.2d 770 (1984) (the trial court had properly charged the jury as to the intent necessary for capital murder, the felony murder doctrine, and as to the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and that required for the lesser included offense of non-capital murder); Womack v. State, 435 So.2d 754, 763 (Ala.Cr.App.), aff'd, 435 So.2d 766 (Ala.), cert. denied, 464 U.S. 986 , 104 S.Ct. 436 , 78 L.Ed.2d 367 (1983) (the trial court properly instructed the jury as to the

41990–2001
Dick v. Kemp green
scotus · 1983
2 sentences

2001Compare Freeman v. State, 555 So.2d 196, 208 (Ala.Cr.App.1988) (‘the trial judge extensively instructed the jury on the difference between capital murder, felony murder, and intentional murder’), affirmed, 555 So.2d 215 (Ala.1989), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 912 , 110 S.Ct. 2604 , 110 L.Ed.2d 284 (1990); Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Cr.App.1983) (trial court instructed jury on ‘the intent required for a capital felony, on the felony murder doctrine, and on the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and the intent required for the lesser included offense of noncap

1997Davis v. State, 440 So.2d 1191, 1194 (Ala.Cr.App. 1983), cert. denied, 465 U.S. 1083 , 104 S.Ct. 1452 , 79 L.Ed.2d 770 (1984) (the trial court had properly charged the jury as to the intent necessary for capital murder, the felony murder doctrine, and as to the distinction between the intent required for a capital felony and that required for the lesser included offense of non-capital murder); Womack v. State, 435 So.2d 754, 763 (Ala.Cr.App.), aff'd, 435 So.2d 766 (Ala.), cert. denied, 464 U.S. 986 , 104 S.Ct. 436 , 78 L.Ed.2d 367 (1983) (the trial court properly instructed the jury as to the

41990–2001
Crawford v. Alabama green
scotus · 1980
2 sentences

1990"Now, you would also, at that point consider the intent, consider what I said about that. [The trial court then repeated the instructions on intent quoted above]." (Emphasis added.) Nowhere in his instructions did the trial court charge the jury that in order to find the defendant guilty of the capital offense charged in the indictment, the jury had to find that the defendant was an accomplice in the intentional killing as opposed to being an accomplice merely in the robbery. "[I]n a prosecution for a capital offense, the felony-murder doctrine has no place in securing a conviction of the offe

1985Although, in a prosecution for a capital offense, the felony-murder doctrine has no place in securing a conviction of the offense charged, Alabama Code 1975, § 13A-5-40 (c); Ex parte Ritter , 375 So.2d 270 , 273-75 (Ala. 1979), vacated on other grounds, Ritter v. Alabama , 448 U.S. 903 , 100 S.Ct. 3044 , 65 L.Ed.2d 1133 (1980), this same principle is applicable in a capital case — an accused is not guilty of capital robbery-murder where the intent to rob was formed only after the victim was killed.

41983–1990
Williamson v. Alabama green
scotus · 1980
2 sentences

1990"Now, you would also, at that point consider the intent, consider what I said about that. [The trial court then repeated the instructions on intent quoted above]." (Emphasis added.) Nowhere in his instructions did the trial court charge the jury that in order to find the defendant guilty of the capital offense charged in the indictment, the jury had to find that the defendant was an accomplice in the intentional killing as opposed to being an accomplice merely in the robbery. "[I]n a prosecution for a capital offense, the felony-murder doctrine has no place in securing a conviction of the offe

1985Although, in a prosecution for a capital offense, the felony-murder doctrine has no place in securing a conviction of the offense charged, Alabama Code 1975, § 13A-5-40 (c); Ex parte Ritter , 375 So.2d 270 , 273-75 (Ala. 1979), vacated on other grounds, Ritter v. Alabama , 448 U.S. 903 , 100 S.Ct. 3044 , 65 L.Ed.2d 1133 (1980), this same principle is applicable in a capital case — an accused is not guilty of capital robbery-murder where the intent to rob was formed only after the victim was killed.

41983–1990
People v. Washington green
cal · 1965
2 sentences

2018Barnett explains the merger doctrine as follows: " 'We have concluded that the utilization of the felony-murder rule in circumstances such as those before us[, a felonious assault,] extends the operation of [the felony-murder] rule "beyond any rational function it is designed to serve." ( People v. Washington (1965) 62 Cal. 2d 777 , 783, 44 Cal.Rptr. 442 , 446, 402 P.2d 130 , 134.) To allow such use of the felony-murder rule would effectively preclude the jury from considering the issue of malice aforethought in all cases wherein homicide has been committed as a result of a felonious assault-a

2018Barnett explains the merger doctrine as follows: " 'We have concluded that the utilization of the felony-murder rule in circumstances such as those before us[, a felonious assault,] extends the operation of [the felony-murder] rule "beyond any rational function it is designed to serve." ( People v. Washington (1965) 62 Cal. 2d 777 , 783, 44 Cal.Rptr. 442 , 446, 402 P.2d 130 , 134.) To allow such use of the felony-murder rule would effectively preclude the jury from considering the issue of malice aforethought in all cases wherein homicide has been committed as a result of a felonious assault-a

32000–2018
Barnett v. State green
alacrimapp · 2000
2 sentences

2018App. 2000), in which we held 'that felonious assaults that result in the victim's death merge with the homicide and therefore cannot serve as an underlying felony for purposes of the felony-murder rule.' Id. at 930 .

2018"The majority quotes extensively from this Court's opinion in Barnett , including the following: " ' "[U]nder the merger doctrine, the elements of the underlying felony must be independent of the homicide.... " ' "To read the 'clearly dangerous to human life' language in the felony-murder rule as allowing an assault on the homicide victim to be the predicate felony for felony murder would offend the statutory construction of Alabama's homicide laws...." ' " 257 So.3d at 341 (quoting Barnett , 783 So.2d at 930 ). " Barnett also says: " '[a]n examination of Alabama's murder and manslaughter stat

32000–2018
Kochevar v. State green
minn · 1979
2 sentences

2009In Minnesota the felony-murder rule applies whenever the felony and the homicide ‘are part of one continuous transaction.’ Bellcourt v. State, 390 N.W.2d 269, 274 (Minn.1986) [quoting Kochevar v. State, 281 N.W.2d 680 , 686-87 n. 4 (Minn.1979)].

2003In Minnesota the felony-murder rule applies whenever the felony and the homicide "are part of one continuous transaction." Bellcourt v. State, 390 N.W.2d 269, 274 (Minn.1986) [quoting Kochevar v. State, 281 N.W.2d 680 , 686-87 n. 4 (Minn.1979)].

31994–2009
State v. LaTourelle green
minn · 1984
2 sentences

2009Thus, the felony-murder rule applies even though the underlying felony is completed after the homicide, provided the felony and homicide are parts of a single ‘continuous transaction.’ Compare State v. LaTourelle, 343 N.W.2d 277 (Minn. *169 1984) (defendant convicted of first degree felony-murder where defendant intended to rape victim prior to the homicide but the rape took place after the homicide) with State v. Givens, 332 N.W.2d 187 (Minn.1983) (defendant acquitted of first degree felony-murder where defendant pai'ticipated in murder of victim, then returned to murder scene a short time la

2003Thus, the felony-murder rule applies even though the underlying felony is completed after the homicide, provided the felony and homicide are parts of a single "continuous transaction." Compare State v. LaTourelle, 343 N.W.2d 277 (Minn.1984) (defendant convicted of first degree felony-murder where defendant intended to rape victim prior to the homicide but the rape took place after the homicide) with State v. Givens, 332 N.W.2d 187 (Minn.1983) (defendant acquitted of first degree felony-murder where defendant participated in murder of victim, then returned to murder scene a short time later to

31994–2009
State v. Givens green
minn · 1983
2 sentences

2009Thus, the felony-murder rule applies even though the underlying felony is completed after the homicide, provided the felony and homicide are parts of a single ‘continuous transaction.’ Compare State v. LaTourelle, 343 N.W.2d 277 (Minn. *169 1984) (defendant convicted of first degree felony-murder where defendant intended to rape victim prior to the homicide but the rape took place after the homicide) with State v. Givens, 332 N.W.2d 187 (Minn.1983) (defendant acquitted of first degree felony-murder where defendant pai'ticipated in murder of victim, then returned to murder scene a short time la

2003Thus, the felony-murder rule applies even though the underlying felony is completed after the homicide, provided the felony and homicide are parts of a single "continuous transaction." Compare State v. LaTourelle, 343 N.W.2d 277 (Minn.1984) (defendant convicted of first degree felony-murder where defendant intended to rape victim prior to the homicide but the rape took place after the homicide) with State v. Givens, 332 N.W.2d 187 (Minn.1983) (defendant acquitted of first degree felony-murder where defendant participated in murder of victim, then returned to murder scene a short time later to

31994–2009
Ex Parte Travis green
ala · 2000
32002–2005
Travis v. State green
alacrimapp · 1997
2 sentences

2005Travis v. State , 776 So.2d 819 (Ala.Crim.App. 1998), aff'd, 776 So.2d 874 (Ala. 2000), cert. denied, 531 U.S. 1081 , 121 S.Ct. 785 , 148 L.Ed.2d 681 (2001).

2003Travis v. State , 776 So.2d 819 (Ala.Crim.App. 1998), aff'd, 776 So.2d 874 (Ala. 2000), cert. denied, 531 U.S. 1081 , 121 S.Ct. 785 , 148 L.Ed.2d 681 (2001).

32002–2005
Travis v. Alabama green
scotus · 2001
32002–2005
Perez Davila v. United States green
scotus · 2001
32002–2005
Grimes v. Heckler green
scotus · 1984
31991–2001
Malik v. California green
scotus · 1984
31991–2001
Ex Parte Coulter green
ala · 1983
31994–1999
People v. Ireland green
cal · 1969
22016–2018
Daniel v. Thigpen green
almd · 1990
21991–1996
Lewis v. State green
alacrimapp · 1984
21988–1990
Evans v. State green
ala · 1978
21979–1990
Jones v. State green
ala · 1911
21979–1980
State v. Mitchell green
alacrimapp · 2006
12016–2016
Washington v. State green
alacrimapp · 2015
12016–2016
Ex Parte State green
ala · 2007
12013–2013
State v. Lashley green
kan · 1983
12006–2006
Malaske v. State green
oklacrimapp · 2004
12006–2006
Parks v. State neutral
alacrimapp · 2004
12005–2005
State v. Correra green
ri · 1981
12003–2003
State v. Thompson green
moctapp · 1985
12003–2003
Ex Parte Dobyne green
ala · 1995
12003–2003
Smith v. State green
alacrimapp · 1999
12003–2003
Conway v. State green
alacrimapp · 1986
11999–1999
Ex Parte Johnson green
ala · 1993
11998–1998

Statutes the citing opinions construe

AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-40 (33) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-49 (22) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-53 (20) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-6-2 (17) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-47 (16) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-51 (16) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-45 (15) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-52 (11) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-2-23 (8) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-50 (8) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-1-9 (7) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-46 (7)

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 2762 (1951–2026) NC 247 (1973–2026) IL 148 (1965–2025) KS 107 (1967–2022) PA 89 (1955–2026) FL 86 (1966–2025) MA 85 (1965–2024) TX 77 (1977–2026) AL 74 (1978–2026) MD 65 (1970–2024) IA 62 (1975–2025) TN 61 (1975–2025) MO 53 (1964–2020) AZ 52 (1965–2022) MI 49 (1963–2026) WA 42 (1961–2026) NV 38 (1965–2019) OH 35 (1980–2024) VA 33 (1978–2026) NM 32 (1960–2025) MN 29 (1979–2024) WV 28 (1977–2021) GA 27 (1975–2025) LA 25 (1961–2023) OK 24 (1983–2024) MT 23 (1976–2024) NJ 23 (1969–2022) NY 20 (1960–2019) OR 14 (1969–2026) WY 14 (1978–2025) ID 13 (1976–2024) CO 12 (1966–2025) IN 11 (1973–2019) CT 11 (1975–2025) MS 10 (1977–2013) DC 8 (1976–2020) AR 7 (1976–2025) SC 7 (1975–2018) DE 5 (1968–2022) RI 5 (1980–2023) UT 4 (1992–2003) VT 3 (1983–2017) VI 3 (2008–2017) SD 3 (1980–2002) WI 2 (1988–1994) NE 2 (1991–2019) KY 2 (2000–2001) AK 2 (1995–2018)

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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