On Point blog, page 1 of 1

Evidence insufficient to invoke “defense of others” privilege

State v. Gabriel Justin Bogan, 2014AP285-CR, District 1, 10/14/14 (not recommended for publication); case activity

In this 1st-degree reckless homicide and 1st-degree reckless endangering safety case, the court of appeals held that the evidence presented at trial did not support a “defense of others” jury instruction. Thus, Bogan’s trial lawyer was not ineffective for failing to pursue that theory of defense.

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Court of Appeals: Pattern jury instruction on self-defense for reckless or negligent crimes does not provide a proper statement of the state’s burden of proof

State v. Langston C. Austin, 2013 WI App 96; case activity

In this important case the court of appeals holds that the pattern jury instruction for self-defense in cases involving reckless or negligent crimes does not properly apprise the jury that the state has the burden to prove the defendant did not act in self-defense.

Austin stabbed two people during a confrontation on a street and was charged with two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon.

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Defense of Others – Terminating Interference by Police Officer

State v. John F. Giminski, 2001 WI App 211, PFR filed 9/20/01
For Giminski: Edward J. Hunt

Issue: Whether the defendant was entitled to invoke the privilege of defense of others, § 939.48(4), in using potentially deadly force against police officers who had pulled a gun on his daughter while executing a valid warrant.

Holding:

¶13. (T)he privilege of defense of others, like the privilege of self-defense,

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