Opinion ID: 1261352
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: trial judge's instructions: burden of proof in context of self-defense

Text: Appellant contends that she was prejudiced by the trial judge's instruction on the proper burden of proof. While we need not fully address this issue, the relevant portion concerning the burden of proof in the model self-defense charge which was first enunciated in State v. Davis , 282 S.C. 45, 317 S.E. (2d) 452 (1984) and made mandatory in State v. Glover , 284 S.C. 152, 326 S.E. (2d) 150 (1985), cert. denied , 471 U.S. 1068, 105 S.Ct. 2147, 85 L.Ed. (2d) 503 (1985) is set forth below: If you have a reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt after considering all the evidence including the evidence of self-defense, then you must find him not guilty. On the other hand, if you have no reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt after considering all the evidence including the evidence of self-defense then you must find him guilty. We need not discuss appellant's remaining exceptions. This case is reversed and remanded for a new trial. Reversed and remanded. GREGORY, C.J., and CHANDLER, FINNEY and TOAL, JJ., concur.