Opinion ID: 1250281
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Justification based on defense of third party.

Text: Wagner alleges as error trial court's failure to instruct the jury on his claim his actions were motivated by a desire to protect the guard trainees. Wagner contends the evidence not only showed he was motivated to seize the guards by compulsion, a defense the jury was instructed on, but also showed he acted as he did in order to protect the well-being of the guards. [4] Wagner's initial defense was based upon a claim of compulsion. He testified he took the hostages because his life had been threatened by another inmate. Trial court instructed the jury on Wagner's compulsory defense. The jury rejected that defense. In contrast with his compulsion defense, Wagner presented no evidence to support a claim he acted as he did out of concern for the guards' safety. The record reflects their greatest fear was of Wagner, armed with a gun and knife, and the inmates under his command. Although trial court should instruct on all issues supported by substantial evidence, it commits error when it instructs on issues having no substantial support in the record. Hoekstra v. Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co., 382 N.W.2d 100, 107 (Iowa 1986). Because no substantial evidence of third-party defense was presented, no jury issue was generated. Trial court properly refused to submit the requested instruction.