California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Nartates, E064788 (Cal. App. 2017):
"'"It is settled that 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. [Citations.] The general principles of law governing the case are those principles closely and openly connected with the facts before the court, and which are necessary for the jury's understanding of the case." [Citation.] That obligation has been held to include giving instructions on lesser included offenses when the evidence raises a question as to whether all of the elements of the charged offense were present [citation], but not when there is no evidence that the offense was less than that charged.'" (People v. Breverman (1998) 19 Cal.4th 142, 154.) We apply the de novo standard of review. (People v. Cole (2004) 33 Cal.4th 1158, 1218.)
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