What is the definition of consent for the purposes of the felony-murder special circumstance?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Lee, 11 Cal. Daily Op. Serv. 2447, 122 Cal.Rptr.3d 117, 2011 Daily Journal D.A.R. 2921, 248 P.3d 651, 51 Cal.4th 620 (Cal. 2011):

10. The jury correctly was instructed that against one's will means without the consent of the alleged victim. (See People v. Giardino (2000) 82 Cal.App.4th 454, 460, 98 Cal.Rptr.2d 315; People v. Cicero (1984) 157 Cal.App.3d 465, 480, 204 Cal.Rptr. 582.) The trial court then defined consent for the jury, pursuant to CALJIC No. 1.23.1 as positive cooperation in an act or attitude as an exercise of free will. The person must act freely and voluntarily and have knowledge of the nature of the act or transaction involved. CALJIC No. 1.23.1 is based on the statutory language in section 261.6. In part II.A.2., infra, we reject defendant's contention that the trial court's instructions on consent were inadequate.

11. Defendant does not argue that, assuming there was sufficient evidence of attempted rape, the evidence was insufficient to establish that the murder was committed while [he] was engaged in ... the commission of, or attempted commission of, or the immediate flight after committing, or attempting to commit, a rape with the meaning of the felony-murder special circumstance. ( 190.2, subd. (a)(17); see People v. Green (1980) 27 Cal.3d 1, 6061, 164 Cal.Rptr. 1, 609 P.2d 468.)

Other Questions


Does a jury have to find intent to kill to sustain a special circumstance allegation in an attempted robbery special circumstance? (California, United States of America)
Does the amendment to the lying-in-wait special circumstance in a murder case in which there is a distinction between the special circumstance and lying in-wait first degree murder? (California, United States of America)
Is there a "special circumstance" where a jury did not return a finding on the alleged special circumstance? (California, United States of America)
In what circumstances will the court overturn a torture-murder special-circumstance finding? (California, United States of America)
Is advancement of a felonious purpose an element of the felony-murder special-circumstance? (California, United States of America)
How have the courts treated the defense's request for a special instruction against "double counting" the crimes and the special circumstances? (California, United States of America)
What is the difference between a defendant's special instruction in a first degree murder case and a special circumstance finding? (California, United States of America)
Does the definition of a "special circumstance" need to be repeated? (California, United States of America)
In what circumstances will a jury be able to determine whether a defendant is guilty of multiple murder on the special circumstance allegation? (California, United States of America)
In what circumstances will a defendant be found guilty of a special circumstance charge under Section 187 of the Penal Code? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.