Opinion ID: 2623235
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Improper Burden of Proof

Text: Saenz contends that the trial court's instructions on voluntary manslaughter improperly shifted the burden of proving mitigating circumstances to the defendant. The instruction provided: In determining whether the defendant is guilty of murder in the second degree-intentional, or murder in the second degree-reckless, you should consider the lesser offense of voluntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing upon a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion. If you decide the defendant intentionally killed Jesus Quezada, but that it was done upon a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion, the defendant may be convicted of voluntary manslaughter only. Saenz argues that the instruction did not clearly indicate that he did not have the burden to prove a sudden quarrel or heat of passion, but rather instructed the jury to decide, by an unexpressed standard, whether the killing was the result of a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion. The defense did not object to the instruction given. Saenz equates the mitigating circumstance of heat of passion or sudden quarrel to an affirmative defense, then argues if heat of passion or sudden quarrel is raised as a mitigating circumstance, the jury must be instructed pursuant to PIK Crim.3d 52.08, which states: The defendant raises (describe the affirmative defense) as a defense. Evidence in support of this defense should be considered by you in determining whether the State has met its burden of proving that the defendant is guilty. The State's burden of proof does not shift to the defendant. Killing another in the heat of passion or upon a sudden quarrel is not an affirmative defense, and the trial court was not required to give PIK Crim.3d 52.08. The trial court properly instructed the jury as to the State's burden of proof The court's instructions were not erroneous.