Opinion ID: 889838
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: ¶ 9 As a preliminary matter, Otten's motion, framed as a motion for directed verdict of acquittal, is correctly named a motion to dismiss for insufficient evidence. Section 46-16-403, MCA; State v. McWilliams, 2008 MT 59, ¶ 36, 341 Mont. 517, 178 P.3d 121. We review the denial of a motion to dismiss for insufficient evidence de novo. Id. at ¶ 37. ¶ 10 A district court's decision pertaining to jury instructions is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. Goles v. Neumann, 2011 MT 11, ¶ 9, 359 Mont. 132, 247 P.3d 1089. While the district court's discretion is broad, it is restricted by the overriding principle that jury instructions must fully and fairly instruct the jury regarding the applicable law. The instructions must prejudicially affect the defendant's substantial rights to constitute reversible error. Id. (citing State v. Christiansen, 2010 MT 197, ¶ 7, 357 Mont. 379, 239 P.3d 949).