Is a jury required to be instructed on the general principles of law?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Njoku, C082166 (Cal. App. 2018):

" 'It is settled that in criminal cases, even when not requested, the court must instruct on the general principles of law relevant to the issues raised by the evidence. [Citations.] The general principles of law governing the case are those principles closely and openly connected with the evidence adduced before the court which are necessary for the jury's proper consideration of the case. [Citations.] At a minimum, it is the court's duty to ensure the jury is adequately instructed on the law governing all elements of the case submitted to it to the extent necessary for a proper determination in conformity with the applicable law.' " (People v. Haney (1977) 75 Cal.App.3d 308, 312.)

Other Questions


Is there any instructional error in general criminal intent instruction used by the trial court to include counts 4 and 7 in the General Criminal intent instruction? (California, United States of America)
Does the Attorney General have any authority or authority to instruct a jury to disregard an instruction in an assault case where the instruction had no antecedent in the facts? (California, United States of America)
Is a jury required to instruct on "general principles of law that are commonly and openly connected to the facts before the jury"? (California, United States of America)
Is a judge required to instruct the jury on general principles which are necessary to the jury's understanding of the case? (California, United States of America)
Is a jury required to be instructed on the general principles of law relevant to the issues raised by the trial court even in the absence of a request? (California, United States of America)
What is the duty of a trial court to instruct a jury on the general principles of law relevant to the issues raised by the trial? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for a jury to be instructed on the general principles of law in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
In a death penalty case, in what circumstances will the Attorney General be found to have made an error in instructing the jury pursuant to the Briggs Instruction? (California, United States of America)
Does a party have to complain to the Court on appeal that an instruction in a criminal case instructing a jury to convict a defendant of possessing all six firearms was "too general or incomplete"? (California, United States of America)
What is the duty of a trial court to instruct a jury on general principles of law? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.