Tag: Self Defense

NJ Supreme Court Rules Juries Not Required to Explain Rejection of Self-Defense Claims
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NJ Supreme Court Rules Juries Not Required to Explain Rejection of Self-Defense Claims

On By Donald Scarinci

In State v. Joseph S. Macchia (A-49-21/086334) (Decided March 16, 2023), the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that juries are not required to unanimously agree on why they reject a claim of self-defense or explain their reasoning. The court’s decision was unanimous. Facts of State v. Macchia Defendant Joseph

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NJ Supreme Court Clarifies When Courts Must Give Lesser-included Offense Instruction
Categories : NJ Supreme Court ReporterTags : Leave a comment

NJ Supreme Court Clarifies When Courts Must Give Lesser-included Offense Instruction

On By Donald Scarinci

In State v. Timothy J. Canfield (A-53-21/086644) (Decided January 11, 2023), the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that the trial court did not err in failing to instruct the jury to consider a lesser charge of passion/provocation manslaughter. However, it declined to adopt a procedural rule proposed by the

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