Rafe wrote: ↑Sat Dec 30, 2023 12:03 pmThat's actually how I read Steve's post, i.e., that it isn't incumbent upon the prosecution to negate the defense--or I suppose ever bring it up at all--unless the defendant introduces it and presents evidence for the defense to prosecution.ScottDLS wrote: ↑Sat Dec 30, 2023 11:27 am Not to quibble with Steve's post, and see my longer discussion I just posted, but with regards to the Defense to Prosecution, I disagree slightly.
A Defense does not have to be negated in the charging document but if it is raised by the defendant at trial, then it must be negated by the prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt to the jury.A defense does not have to be negated by the DA and is only submitted to the jury if the defendant provides evidence of the defense. And to win, the defendant must prove the defense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sec. 2.03. DEFENSE. (a) A defense to prosecution for an offense in this code is so labeled by the phrase: "It is a defense to prosecution . . . ."
(b) The prosecuting attorney is not required to negate the existence of a defense in the accusation charging commission of the offense.
(c) The issue of the existence of a defense is not submitted to the jury unless evidence is admitted supporting the defense.
(d) If the issue of the existence of a defense is submitted to the jury, the court shall charge that a reasonable doubt on the issue requires that the defendant be acquitted.
(e) A ground of defense in a penal law that is not plainly labeled in accordance with this chapter has the procedural and evidentiary consequences of a defense.
I'm now wondering about the "at trial" caveat you mentioned, though. Is counsel for the defense prohibited from including evidence for a defense to prosecution at the grand jury stage? Can the defense only be presented during a petit jury trial?
(I'm learnin' stuff here today...)
What I was trying to get at is AT TRIAL the burden of refuting a Defense is on the prosecution. If the jury has any reasonable doubt that the prosecution negated (proved wrong) the Defense, then they must accept the Defense and acquit. The only obligation on the defendant is to raise the Defense at trial. Then the prosecution MUST refute it.