compulsion defense (Illinois) · Go Syfert
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compulsion defense in Illinois

50 Illinois opinions name it 2 courts 1975–2026 7 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Illinois 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 (17)

CaseFollowedCited
People v. Pegramgreen
ill · 1988 · cited in 7 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1995–2026
2 sentences

2007App. 3d at 492-93 (holding that defendant was deprived of a fair trial when defense counsel failed to tender a jury instruction because there was a reasonable probability that being advised of the proper burden of proof, the jury could have been persuaded to conclude that defendant was compelled to commit the crime); Pegram, 124 Ill. 2d at 173-74 (court held that “ ‘[fundamental fairness includes *** seeing to it that certain basic instructions, essential to a fair determination of the case by the jury, are given.’ [Citation.] *** [T]he omission [of a compulsion instruction] ‘removed from the

2007Either way, counsel would have been at fault for the failure. 58 No. 1-04-2709 been persuaded to conclude that defendant was compelled to commit the crime); Pegram, 124 Ill. 2d at 173-74 (court held that “‘[f]undamental fairness includes *** seeing to it that certain basic instructions, essential to a fair determination of the case by the jury, are given.’ [Citation.] ***[T]he omission [of a compulsion instruction] ‘removed from the jury’s consideration a disputed issue essential to the determination of defendant’s guilt or innocence.’ [Citation.]”) For the foregoing reasons, we reverse and re

47
People v. Scherzergreen
illappct · 1989 · cited in 7 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1991–2026
2 sentences

2026See People v. Scherzer, 179 Ill.

1991App. 3d 624, 644 , 534 N.E.2d 1043, 1057 .) The only evidence presented to support instructions on the compulsion defense involved Driskel’s stabbing of Urica Winder, who did not die.

37
People v. Serranogreen
illappct · 1997 · cited in 4 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1998–2011
2 sentences

2011See, e.g., People v. Serrano, 286 Ill.App.3d 485, 492 , 222 Ill.Dec. 47 , 676 N.E.2d 1011 (1997) (concluding that where "defendant did not dispute that he was present during [an armed robbery], but contended that he was compelled through fear to do it," defense counsel was constitutionally ineffective for failing to request the compulsion instruction); People v. Gonzalez, 385 Ill.App.3d 15, 21 , 324 Ill.Dec. 267 , 895 N.E.2d 982 (2008) (finding counsel ineffective where theory of defense to aggravated criminal sexual abuse was defendant's reasonable belief that victim was 17 years or age or ol

2011See, e.g., People v. Serrano, 286 Ill.App.3d 485, 492 , 222 Ill.Dec. 47 , 676 N.E.2d 1011 (1997) (concluding that where "defendant did not dispute that he was present during [an armed robbery], but contended that he was compelled through fear to do it," defense counsel was constitutionally ineffective for failing to request the compulsion instruction); People v. Gonzalez, 385 Ill.App.3d 15, 21 , 324 Ill.Dec. 267 , 895 N.E.2d 982 (2008) (finding counsel ineffective where theory of defense to aggravated criminal sexual abuse was defendant's reasonable belief that victim was 17 years or age or ol

34
People v. Simsgreen
illappct · 2007 · cited in 3 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2008–2016
2 sentences

2016App. 3d at 1021 . ¶ 41 Defendant argues that he presented sufficient evidence to allow for a compulsion instruction, primarily citing People v. Sims, 374 Ill.

2008A compulsion defense is not available "if the defendant had ample 18 1-06-1190 opportunities to withdraw from the criminal enterprise but failed to do so." Sims, 374 Ill.

23
People v. Williamsgreen
illappct · 1981 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016See, e.g., People v. Orasco, 2016 IL App (3d) 120633-B, ¶ 29 (finding no evidence warranting compulsion instruction where, although defendant repeatedly stated that “he was just doing what he was told,” there was no “impending threat of great bodily harm” despite co-offender “pretty much point[ing] the gun” at defendant and telling defendant that if he “tried to run off *** he would kill” defendant); People v. Williams, 97 Ill.

2016See, e.g., People v. Orasco, 2016 IL App (3d) 120633-B, ¶ 29 (finding no evidence warranting compulsion instruction where, although defendant repeatedly stated that “he was just doing what he was told,” there was no “impending threat of great bodily harm” despite co- offender “pretty much point[ing] the gun” at defendant and telling defendant that if he “tried to run off *** he would kill” defendant); People v. Williams, 97 Ill.

22
People v. Jonesgreen
ill · 1997 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016People v. Jones, 175 Ill. 2d 126, 132 (1997). ¶ 39 Although the trial court implied that, had there had been prior notice of the compulsion defense, it would have given the jury an instruction on compulsion, the court ultimately denied the instruction based on notice, not on the substantive evidentiary question of whether defendant would have been entitled to the instruction.

2016People v. Jones, 175 Ill. 2d 126, 132 (1997). ¶ 39 Although the trial court implied that, had there had been prior notice of the compulsion defense, it would have given the jury an instruction on compulsion, the court ultimately denied the instruction based on notice, not on the substantive evidentiary question of whether defendant would have been entitled to the instruction.

22
People v. Miltongreen
illappct · 1989 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016See, e.g., Orasco, 2016 IL App (3d) 120633-B, ¶ 29 ; People v. Milton, 182 Ill.

2016See, e.g., Orasco, 2016 IL App (3d) 120633-B, ¶ 29 ; People v. Milton, 182 Ill.

22
People v. Mooregreen
illappct · 2005 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008See People v. Moore, 356 Ill.

2008See People v. Moore, 356 Ill.

22
People v. Alvinegreen
ill · 1996 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
2 sentences

2000See Alvine, 173 Ill.2d at 297 , 219 Ill.Dec. 546 , 671 N.E.2d 713 .

2000See Alvine, 173 Ill. 2d at 297 .

22
Strickland v. Washingtongreen
scotus · 1984 · cited in 3 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1994–2011
2 sentences

2011Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 , 104 S.Ct. 2052 , 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984).

2011Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 , 104 S.Ct. 2052 , 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984).

13
People v. Gonzalezgreen
illappct · 2008 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
2 sentences

2011See, e.g., People v. Serrano, 286 Ill.App.3d 485, 492 , 222 Ill.Dec. 47 , 676 N.E.2d 1011 (1997) (concluding that where "defendant did not dispute that he was present during [an armed robbery], but contended that he was compelled through fear to do it," defense counsel was constitutionally ineffective for failing to request the compulsion instruction); People v. Gonzalez, 385 Ill.App.3d 15, 21 , 324 Ill.Dec. 267 , 895 N.E.2d 982 (2008) (finding counsel ineffective where theory of defense to aggravated criminal sexual abuse was defendant's reasonable belief that victim was 17 years or age or ol

2011See, e.g., People v. Serrano, 286 Ill.App.3d 485, 492 , 222 Ill.Dec. 47 , 676 N.E.2d 1011 (1997) (concluding that where "defendant did not dispute that he was present during [an armed robbery], but contended that he was compelled through fear to do it," defense counsel was constitutionally ineffective for failing to request the compulsion instruction); People v. Gonzalez, 385 Ill.App.3d 15, 21 , 324 Ill.Dec. 267 , 895 N.E.2d 982 (2008) (finding counsel ineffective where theory of defense to aggravated criminal sexual abuse was defendant's reasonable belief that victim was 17 years or age or ol

12
People v. Burtongreen
ill · 1998 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026See People v. Burton, 184 Ill. 2d 1, 34 (1998) (noting the mere existence of mitigating evidence does not preclude imposition of the maximum sentence). - 37 - ¶ 107 Defendant also argues in a single sentence in the opening brief—without further elaboration in the reply brief—that plea counsel failed to “present any medical or psychological testimony to explain how [defendant’s] history of abuse could have led to her participation in the crime.” This claim is contradicted by the testimony of Peshek at the hearing on defendant’s motion to withdraw her guilty plea, where she explained that she ha

11
People v. Nicholasgreen
ill · 2006 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024The State has considerable latitude in closing argument and “may comment on the evidence and any fair, reasonable inferences it yields.” People v. Nicholas, 218 Ill. 2d 104, 121 (2005).

11
United States v. Hubbellgreen
scotus · 2000 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023See Hubbell, 530 U.S. at 37 .

11
People v. Robinsongreen
illappct · 1976 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
2 sentences

2021“A threat of future injury ‘is not sufficient to excuse criminal conduct.’ ” Id. (quoting People v. Robinson, 41 Ill.

2021“A threat of future injury ‘is not sufficient to excuse criminal conduct.’ ” Id. (quoting Robinson, 41 Ill.

11
People v. Jacksongreen
illappct · 1981 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016People v. Jackson, 100 Ill.

11
People v. Hoddenbachgreen
illappct · 1983 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (27)

CaseCitedYears
People v. Ganus green
ill · 1992
2 sentences

2024App. 3d 231, 267 (2007), and People v. Ganus, 148 Ill. 2d 466, 472 (1992) (recognizing that the defendant, who was charged with murder, was not entitled to a compulsion defense).

1996In People v. Ganus, 148 Ill. 2d 466 , 594 N.E.2d 211 (1992), the defendant claimed he was denied effective assistance of counsel when his lawyer elicited testimony about his gang activity in prison to prove a compulsion defense in a murder case.

61992–2024
People v. Gleckler green
ill · 1980
2 sentences

2011People v. Gleckler, 82 Ill.2d 145, 157 , 44 Ill.Dec. 483 , 411 N.E.2d 849 (1980); People v. Haynie, 347 Ill.App.3d 650, 655 , 283 Ill.Dec. 146 , 807 N.E.2d 987 (2004); see 720 ILCS 5/7-11 (West 2002). ¶ 41 Notwithstanding, at the jury instruction conference, defense counsel argued that the compulsion defense should be available because defendant was charged under the accountability statute as opposed to solely under the murder statute.

2011People v. Gleckler, 82 Ill.2d 145, 157 , 44 Ill.Dec. 483 , 411 N.E.2d 849 (1980); People v. Haynie, 347 Ill.App.3d 650, 655 , 283 Ill.Dec. 146 , 807 N.E.2d 987 (2004); see 720 ILCS 5/7-11 (West 2002). ¶ 41 Notwithstanding, at the jury instruction conference, defense counsel argued that the compulsion defense should be available because defendant was charged under the accountability statute as opposed to solely under the murder statute.

41991–2011
People v. Adcock green
illappct · 1975
2 sentences

2016App. 3d 231 (2007), and People v. Adcock, 29 Ill.

2007People v. Adcock, 29 Ill.

32007–2016
People v. James green
illappct · 1989
2 sentences

1998The court noted "`[n]ot every remark is specific enough to rise to the level of a direct threat or be so dire a warning as to reasonably instill the degree of fear of impending harm claimed to necessitate [the] defendant's actions and require an instruction on necessity.' (Emphasis added.) ( People v. James (1989), 180 Ill.App.3d 461, 465 , 129 Ill.Dec. 382 , 535 N.E.2d 1147, 1150 .)" Phillips, 186 Ill.App.3d at 65 , 133 Ill.Dec. 860 , 541 N.E.2d at 1306 .

1989App. 3d 461, 465 , 535 N.E.2d 1147, 1150 .) The same observation may be made of a compulsion instruction.

31989–1998
People v. Colone green
illappct · 1978
2 sentences

1989People v. Colone (1978), 56 Ill.

1988App. 3d 1018, 1021 , 372 N.E.2d 871, 873 , appeal denied (1978), 71 Ill. 2d 603 , as establishing that the reasonableness of a defendant’s beliefs and actions are relevant to evaluating the compulsion defense.

31981–1989
People v. Haynie green
illappct · 2004
2 sentences

2011People v. Gleckler, 82 Ill.2d 145, 157 , 44 Ill.Dec. 483 , 411 N.E.2d 849 (1980); People v. Haynie, 347 Ill.App.3d 650, 655 , 283 Ill.Dec. 146 , 807 N.E.2d 987 (2004); see 720 ILCS 5/7-11 (West 2002). ¶ 41 Notwithstanding, at the jury instruction conference, defense counsel argued that the compulsion defense should be available because defendant was charged under the accountability statute as opposed to solely under the murder statute.

2011People v. Gleckler, 82 Ill.2d 145, 157 , 44 Ill.Dec. 483 , 411 N.E.2d 849 (1980); People v. Haynie, 347 Ill.App.3d 650, 655 , 283 Ill.Dec. 146 , 807 N.E.2d 987 (2004); see 720 ILCS 5/7-11 (West 2002). ¶ 41 Notwithstanding, at the jury instruction conference, defense counsel argued that the compulsion defense should be available because defendant was charged under the accountability statute as opposed to solely under the murder statute.

22011–2011
People v. Carini green
illappct · 1986
2 sentences

2004In People v. Carini , 151 Ill.

2004In People v. Carini, 151 Ill.

22004–2004
People v. Creach green
illappct · 1979
2 sentences

1989App. 3d 874 , 387 N.E.2d 762 , the appellate court reversed a conviction, with one judge dissenting, in part on the ground that the court erred in refusing to give a compulsion instruction.

1980Reviewing the facts and the principles of law noted above, the court concluded that the facts showed “some evidence” of compulsion and ruled that, consequently, a compulsion instruction should have been given. 69 Ill.

21980–1989
People v. Robinson green
ill · 2020
1 sentence

2025As we have explained above, however, “recognizing the existence of a conflict with the trial evidence is not the same as finding that the new evidence is positively rebutted.” Robinson, 2020 IL 123849, ¶ 60 .

12025–2025
People v. Collins green
illappct · 2016
2 sentences

2021“For the compulsion defense to apply, the threat of death or great bodily harm must be imminent.” People v. Collins, 2016 IL App (1st) 143422, ¶ 35 .

2021“For the compulsion defense to apply, the threat of death or great bodily harm must be imminent.” Collins, 2016 IL App (1st) 143422, ¶ 35 .

12021–2021
People v. Unger green
ill · 1977
2 sentences

2021Unger, 66 Ill. 2d at 341 , 362 N.E.2d at 322-23 .

2021According to defendant, the instruction should have been given because he presented evidence he believed he had to flee the traffic stop to avoid his death and/or the death of a police officer approaching his vehicle during the initial stop. ¶ 26 In Unger, 66 Ill. 2d at 341 , 362 N.E.2d at 322 , the supreme court held a necessity defense and a compulsion defense are “theoretically distinct.” Necessity is defined by statute as follows: “Conduct which would otherwise be an offense is justifiable by reason of necessity if the accused was without blame in occasioning or developing the situation an

12021–2021
People v. Lewis green
illappct · 1992
2 sentences

2011Where defense counsel argues that a defendant was justified in killing—and thus admits that the defendant was the killer— but then offers no instruction on self-defense, the jury is left "with no choice but to find defendant guilty of murder." People v. Lewis, 240 Ill.App.3d 463, 469-70 , 182 Ill.Dec. 139 , 609 N.E.2d 673 (1992) (finding that where trial counsel told the jury in closing, "`You got an easy job on Nimrod.

2011Where defense counsel argues that a defendant was justified in killing—and thus admits that the defendant was the killer— but then offers no instruction on self-defense, the jury is left "with no choice but to find defendant guilty of murder." People v. Lewis, 240 Ill.App.3d 463, 469-70 , 182 Ill.Dec. 139 , 609 N.E.2d 673 (1992) (finding that where trial counsel told the jury in closing, "`You got an easy job on Nimrod.

12011–2011
People v. Phillips green
illappct · 1989
2 sentences

1998The court noted "`[n]ot every remark is specific enough to rise to the level of a direct threat or be so dire a warning as to reasonably instill the degree of fear of impending harm claimed to necessitate [the] defendant's actions and require an instruction on necessity.' (Emphasis added.) ( People v. James (1989), 180 Ill.App.3d 461, 465 , 129 Ill.Dec. 382 , 535 N.E.2d 1147, 1150 .)" Phillips, 186 Ill.App.3d at 65 , 133 Ill.Dec. 860 , 541 N.E.2d at 1306 .

1998The court noted "`[n]ot every remark is specific enough to rise to the level of a direct threat or be so dire a warning as to reasonably instill the degree of fear of impending harm claimed to necessitate [the] defendant's actions and require an instruction on necessity.' (Emphasis added.) ( People v. James (1989), 180 Ill.App.3d 461, 465 , 129 Ill.Dec. 382 , 535 N.E.2d 1147, 1150 .)" Phillips, 186 Ill.App.3d at 65 , 133 Ill.Dec. 860 , 541 N.E.2d at 1306 .

11998–1998
People v. Raya green
illappct · 1993
1 sentence

1994People v. Raya (1993), 250 Ill.

11994–1994
People v. Bryant green
ill · 1989
11991–1991
People v. Creach green
ill · 1980
11989–1989
People v. Terry green
ill · 1984
11988–1988
People v. Eliason green
illappct · 1983
11987–1987
People v. Byer green
illappct · 1979
11981–1981
People v. Nicholson green
illappct · 1978
11981–1981
People v. Johnson green
illappct · 1976
11981–1981
The PEOPLE v. Ricker green
ill · 1970
11981–1981
The People v. Clark green
ill · 1956
11980–1980
People v. Rodriquez green
illappct · 1975
11980–1980
People v. Collins neutral
illappct · 1977
11980–1980
People v. Keating neutral
illappct · 1971
11975–1975
People v. Wester green
calctapp · 1965
11975–1975

Statutes the citing opinions construe

IL § 720 ILCS 5/7-11 (14) IL § 720 ILCS 5/9-1 (4) IL § 725 ILCS 5/122-1 (3) IL § 730 ILCS 5/5-8-1 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

IL 50 (1975–2026) KS 22 (1987–2024) IA 13 (1982–2021) MT 10 (1993–2017) ID 8 (1989–2020) UT 8 (1986–2025) CA 5 (1979–2024) NC 3 (1978–2023) MI 2 (2017–2017) WI 2 (1995–2025) KY 2 (2008–2008)

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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