Case Name: STATE v. WALL
Court: Iowa Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Iowa
Decision Date: 1976-03-17
Citations: 240 N.W.2d 640
Docket Number: No. 58169
Parties: STATE v. WALL.
Judges: 
Reporter: North Western Reporter 2d
Volume: 240
Pages: 640–640

Head Matter:
STATE v. WALL.
No. 58169.
Supreme Court of Iowa.
March 17, 1976.

Opinion:
UHLENHOPP, Justice
(dissenting).
I think the record shows defendant understood the nature of the charge. The court asked defendant if he understood the State had to prove that he uttered the check, that he did so with intent to defraud,, and that he achieved some portion of his result of defrauding. Defendant responded affirmatively.
The court thus stated the heart of the offense, or the "nature" of it. I do not understand that a court must mechanically tick off each element of the offense as though the court were instructing a jury. State v. Hackett, 201 N.W.2d 487, 490 (Iowa) ("discussion of each essential element of the crime charged was not necessary"). We have said that substantial compliance, rather than a ritualistic formula, is required. Brainard v. State, 222 N.W.2d 711 (Iowa); Michels v. Brewer, 211 N.W.2d 293 (Iowa).
I think the district court met the requirement. I would affirm.