Opinion ID: 515812
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: theory of prosecution

Text: 161 Petitioner Muhammad claims that he was denied due process and a fair trial due to the failure of the state to announce whether it was proceeding under a theory of felony murder or premeditated murder. The defense in this cause twice moved to have the state elect one or the other theory of prosecution; both motions were denied. Petitioner claims that his defense was hampered and his rights to due process and fair trial were prejudiced by the denial of his motions for statement of particulars because he was not specifically notified of the charges against him. 162 This claim was raised by Petitioner on district appeal to the Florida Supreme Court, which held: 163 We find appellant's allegation that the Court erred in allowing the State to prosecute the charges under a theory of felony murder when the indictment charged premeditated murder to be absolutely contrary to established precedent. 164