On Point blog, page 2 of 2
Due Process / Right to Unanimous Verdict – Jury Agreement on Underlying Acts
State v. William G. Johnson, 2001 WI 52, 243 Wis. 2d 365, 627 N.W.2d 455
For Johnson: Martha K. Askins, SPD, Madison Appellate
Issue: Whether § 948.025 (repeated sexual assault of a child) violates the rights to due process and unanimous verdict by not requiring unanimity that each predicate act occurred.
Holding: Unanimity is required on the elements of an offense, but generally not the alternate modes of commission unless required by considerations of due process.
§ 943.10, Burglary (Entry with Intent to Commit Felony) — Unanimity as to Intended Felony not Required
State v. Gordon Hammer, 216 Wis. 2d 214, 576 N.W.2d 285 (Ct. App 1997)
For Hammer: Charles W. Jones, Jr.
Issue: Whether juror unanimity is required for burglary, as to which felony was intended during the unlawful entry.
Holding:
In addressing Hammer’s unanimity claim, we engage in a two-step process. We must first determine whether this statute creates only one offense with multiple modes of commission or,