State v. Carroll D. Watkins, 2002 WI 101, affirming as modified 2001 WI App 103, 244 Wis. 2d 205, 628 N.W.2d 419 For Watkins: Steven P. Weiss, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: Accident has long-existed as a defense that “excuses” homicide, and therefore is incorporated in § 939.45(6) as a privilege “for any other reason.” ¶37. It is… Read more
5. Defense of self
State v. Tony Nollie, 2002 WI 4, on certification For Nollie: Erich Straub Issue: Whether defendant was entitled to assert the privilege of self-defense to the charge of carrying concealed weapon. Holding: ¶24. To argue self-defense, Nollie’s offer of proof must indicate that he had an actual and reasonable belief of actual or imminent unlawful… Read more
State v. Debra Ann Head, 2002 WI 99, reversing 2000 WI App 275, 240 Wis. 2d 162, 622 N.W.2d 9 For Head: John D. Hyland, Marcus J. Berghan Issue/Holding: ¶123. We conclude that evidence of a victim’s violent character and of the victim’s prior acts of violence of which a defendant has knowledge should be… Read more
State v. Debra Ann Head, 2002 WI 99, reversing 2000 WI App 275, 240 Wis. 2d 162, 622 N.W.2d 9 For Head: John D. Hyland, Marcus J. Berghan Issue/Holding: ¶84. To raise the issue of perfect self-defense, a defendant must meet a reasonable objective threshold. The trial evidence must show: (1) a reasonable belief in the… Read more
State v. Debra Ann Head, 2002 WI 99, reversing 2000 WI App 275, 240 Wis. 2d 162, 622 N.W.2d 9 For Head: John D. Hyland, Marcus J. Berghan Issue/Holding: ¶123. We conclude that evidence of a victim’s violent character and of the victim’s prior acts of violence of which a defendant has knowledge should be considered in… Read more
State v. Debra Ann Head, 2002 WI 99, reversing 2000 WI App 275, 240 Wis. 2d 162, 622 N.W.2d 9 For Head: John D. Hyland, Marcus J. Berghan Issue/Holding: ¶84. To raise the issue of perfect self-defense, a defendant must meet a reasonable objective threshold. The trial evidence must show: (1) a reasonable belief in… Read more
Self-Defense – “McMorris” Acts of Prior Violence by Victim – Procedure on Determining Admisssibility
State v. Juan M. Navarro, 2001 WI App 225 For Navarro: Joseph M. Moore, SPD Trial, Juneau Issue: Whether the trial court is required to conduct an in camera inspection of confidential records of the complaining witness, a correctional officer, relating to his possible abusive treatment of inmates, in a battery-by-prisoner trial where the defendant alleges… Read more
State v. John V. Dundon, 226 Wis.2d 654, 594 N.W.2d 780 (1999), on certification For Dundon: William S. Coleman, SPD, Milwaukee Appellate. Holding: ¶36 In Coleman, we recognized that “a narrow defense of privilege under Wis. Stat. § 939.45(6) exists to a charge of felon in possession of a firearm.” Coleman, 206 Wis. 2d at 210. The… Read more
