California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Shackelford, H038811 (Cal. App. 2014):
Under the federal Constitution's due process clause, there is sufficient evidence to support a conviction if, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, a rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. (Jackson v. Virginia (1979) 443 U.S. 307, 319.) In addressing a claim of insufficient evidence, "the court must review the whole record in the light most favorable to the judgment below to determine whether it discloses
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substantial evidencethat is, evidence which is reasonable, credible, and of solid valuesuch that a reasonable trier of fact could find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." (People v. Johnson (1980) 26 Cal.3d 557, 578.)
" ' "Deliberation" refers to careful weighing of considerations in forming a course of action; "premeditation" means thought over in advance. [Citations.]' [Citation.] ' "Premeditation and deliberation can occur in a brief interval. 'The test is not time, but reflection. "Thoughts may follow each other with great rapidity and cold, calculated judgment may be arrived at quickly." ' " [Citation.]' [Citations.]" (People v. Solomon (2010) 49 Cal.4th 792, 812 (Solomon).)
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