Opinion ID: 2545670
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: inconsistency of the jury verdict

Text: Payne argues that because the jury acquitted him of first degree arson but convicted him of aggravated first degree arson, the jury verdict is impermissibly inconsistent. Inconsistency between verdicts is generally understood to mean some logical impossibility or improbability implicit in the jury's findings as between several counts of a single criminal accusation. State v. Ruiz, 115 Idaho 12, 15, 764 P.2d 89, 92 (Ct.App.1988). Inconsistency may arise from factual circumstances, as where the jury finds under one count that the defendant did not possess illegal liquor but under another that he sold it. Inconsistency may also arise from legal considerations, as where multiple verdicts of guilty are returned under counts charging both the theft and receipt of the same stolen property. We conclude the jury's verdict can be logically reconciled. It is logical to assume the jury examined the first degree arson charge and instruction and then read the elements of the charge of aggravated first degree arson, and then concluded the latter charge more accurately represented the circumstances of this case. The jury's acquittal on first degree arson does not mean the jury was convinced of Payne's innocence as to all charges. On the contrary, it is obvious the jury determined that Payne's offense most closely conformed to the elements set forth in the aggravated first degree arson instruction because two people had died as a result of the fire in the Hotel caused by Payne. We accordingly reject Payne's contention that the jury's verdict was impermissibly inconsistent.