Opinion ID: 1628288
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: on review of a denied motion to dismiss, the court shall only consider evidence from the prosecutor's case

Text: As to the first issue, we agree with the Court of Appeals that We think the better rule is that if the people without the aid of defendant's proofs do not establish some evidence on every element, a directed verdict for acquittal must be granted if requested. 58 Mich App 528, 532. As we have recently stated in People v Garcia, 398 Mich 250, 256; 247 NW2d 547 (1976), a reviewing court tests the correctness of the denial of a motion to dismiss or a motion for directed verdict of acquittal made at the close of the prosecution's case in chief by taking the evidence presented by the prosecution in the light most favorable to the prosecution   . (Emphasis in original.) This rule appears to be at odds with the court's holding in People v Barlow, 134 Mich 394, 397; 96 NW 482 (1903), that [i]n such a case the determination of this question involves all proof. But, upon examination of Barlow, we agree with the Court of Appeals that that case is distinguishable because the prosecutor had made out a prima facie case. The court simply held that defendant's testimony only strengthened the people's case. 58 Mich App 528, 532. However, to the extent the Barlow opinion conflicts with our holding in Garcia, it is overruled.