California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Cevallos, C057147 (Cal. App. 5/26/2009), C057147. (Cal. App. 2009):
In criminal cases, even in the absence of a request, the trial court must instruct on the general principles of law relevant to the issues raised by the evidence. (People v. Breverman (1998) 19 Cal.4th 142, 154.) The general principles of law governing the case are those principles closely and openly connected with the facts before the trial court, and which are necessary for the jury's understanding of the case. (Ibid.)
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