Opinion ID: 2304206
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Alibi Instruction Denied

Text: Based on the evidence presented, both defendants requested that an alibi instruction be given to the jury. The record on appeal does not disclose the entire content of the proffered alibi instruction. The transcript of the hearing indicates, however, that the requested instruction included language similar to the Superior Court's standard alibi instruction: If the evidence on [the alibi] raises in your mind a reasonable doubt as to the defendant's guilt, you must give him the benefit of that doubt and return a verdict of not guilty. The trial judge reviewed the proposed alibi instruction in its entirety but refused to give it to the jury. The trial judge reasoned that an alibi instruction was redundant, because he/she intended to give an instruction on burden of proof. The trial judge stated: I find that [the proposed instruction] is an unnecessary commentary on the evidence. If I do that, I probably should list every single bit of evidence in the case and say, if this piece of evidence raises a reasonable doubt, you must find the defendant not guilty.... Obviously, counsel, however, can make this argument. It is [a] perfectly valid legal argument. Instead of the proffered alibi instruction, the trial judge gave a general instruction on burden of proof (with no specific reference to the alibi defense). That general instruction informed the jury that [t]he burden of proof is upon the State to prove all of the facts necessary to establish each and every element of the crime charged beyond a reasonable doubt. After closing arguments and before the jury deliberated, the judge reiterated that instruction. Furthermore, because the burden of proof, as described earlier, is upon the State to prove the existence of all elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, a defendant is not required to present any evidence on his own behalf. The jury returned a verdict finding both Dillard and Brown guilty of Felony Murder in the First Degree, Manslaughter (a lesser-included offense of Intentional Murder in the First Degree), Robbery in the First Degree (two counts) and Conspiracy in the Second Degree. Both defendants then moved for a judgment of acquittal. Anderson Brown also moved for a new trial, challenging, among other things, the trial judge's refusal to give the requested alibi instruction. The trial judge denied those motions.