State v. Wanrow

Supreme Court of Washington, 1977.

88 Wash.2d 221, 559 P.2d 548.

Dressler, pp. 480-483

 

Facts: The defendant went over to Ms. Hooper’s house with a gun to protect her against a child molester.  The child molester came over, and she ended up shooting him.  The defendant appealed the conviction.

 

Issue: Were the jury instructions proper?

 

Rule: The jury may “stand in the shoes” of the defendant in assessing whether his or her conduct was justified.

 

Analysis:

 

Conclusion: The defendant’s conviction was reversed.

 

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