Opinion ID: 1756872
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Unanimity for Elements of First-Degree Murder

Text: Appellant argues the first-degree murder jury instruction did not require unanimity for each element of first-degree murder. The first-degree murder instruction provided, unless you find and believe from the evidence beyond a reasonable doubt each and all of these propositions, you must find the defendant not guilty of murder in the first degree. MAI-CR3d 314.02. The jury was also instructed: You will then discuss the case with your fellow jurors. Each of you must decide the case for yourself but you should do so only after you have considered all the evidence, discussed it fully with the other jurors, and listened to the views of your fellow jurors. Your verdict, whether guilty or not guilty, must be agreed to by each juror. Although the verdict must be unanimous, the verdict should be signed by your foreperson alone. When you have concluded your deliberations, you will complete the applicable form to which you unanimously agree and return it with all the unused forms and the written instructions of the Court. MAI-CR3d 302.05 (emphasis added). The instructions require unanimity as to each element. See State v. Johnston, 957 S.W.2d 734, 752 (Mo. banc 1997) (finding no constitutional error when the trial court refused to further explain the jury instructions when the jury asked if each element had to be unanimously agreed to). The instruction is not erroneous.