What is the test for a jury to convict a defendant of first degree murder by torture, poisoned, and premeditated murder?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Jennings, 114 Cal.Rptr.3d 133, 237 P.3d 474, 50 Cal.4th 616 (Cal. 2010):

poison, murder by torture, and premeditated murder-and the verdict does not specify which theory the jury relied upon in finding defendant guilty. A jury may convict a defendant of first degree murder, however, without making a unanimous choice of one or more of several theories proposed by the prosecution. ( People v. Beardslee (1991) 53 Cal.3d 68, 92, 279 Cal.Rptr. 276, 806 P.2d 1311.) As we explain below, the record discloses sufficient evidence to support the jury's finding that defendant was guilty of first degree murder on each of these three theories. There also is sufficient evidence to support the torture-murder special-circumstance finding. Because defendant's corresponding constitutional claims rely upon the alleged insufficiency of the evidence and related arguments that we reject, they necessarily must fail as well.

Other Questions


When a defendant enters a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity at trial for a first-degree murder, can he still be found guilty of first degree murder? (California, United States of America)
Does a jury have to unanimously agree on whether a defendant can be convicted of first degree murder by deliberation and premeditation or by poison? (California, United States of America)
In what circumstances will a prosecutor be found guilty of misconduct for making an argument to the jury that the jury must convict a defendant of second-degree murder before it returns a verdict on a charge of first degree murder? (California, United States of America)
Does the fact that a defendant in the first-degree murder case was convicted of second degree murder have any bearing in determining the outcome of the trial? (California, United States of America)
Does a defendant have to appeal against his conviction for first degree premeditated murder based on the natural and probable consequences theory? (California, United States of America)
Can a jury convict a defendant of second degree murder under the second degree felony-murder rule? (California, United States of America)
Can a jury convict a defendant of second degree murder under the second degree felony-murder rule? (California, United States of America)
When does the torture special circumstance apply when the first degree murder is a torture murder? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant seek to overturn a conviction for second-degree murder by appealing against the finding that the trial court failed to instruct on the charge of second degree murder? (California, United States of America)
Does a trial court have to instruct the jury to agree unanimously whether defendant committed premeditated murder or first degree felony murder? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.