Opinion ID: 1697147
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: principal instruction

Text: Globe asserts that the principal instruction was wrongfully given in this case. The State argues that Globe's argument is procedurally barred, and even if it is not barred, the instruction is supported by direct evidence and any error is harmless.
Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.390(d) states: No party may raise on appeal the giving or failure to give an instruction unless the party objects thereto before the jury retires to consider its verdict, stating distinctly the matter to which the party objects and the grounds of the objection. Opportunity shall be given to make the objection out of the presence of the jury. Issues pertaining to jury instructions are not preserved for appellate review unless a specific objection has been voiced at trial, and absent an objection at trial can be raised on appeal only if fundamental error occurred. Lawrence v. State, 831 So.2d 121, 137 (Fla.2002) (quoting Overton v. State, 801 So.2d 877, 901 (Fla.2001)). Fundamental error is defined as the type of error which `reaches down into the validity of the trial itself to the extent that a verdict of guilty could not have been obtained without the assistance of the alleged error.' Lawrence, 831 So.2d at 137 (quoting Urbin v. State, 714 So.2d 411, 418 n. 8 (Fla.1998)).
At the jury instruction conference, the defense stated the following in regard to the principal instruction: Your honor, just in plain, simple terms, if one of the jurors thinks that Mr. Busby struck the fatal blow or whatever, under the principal instruction that lays over to my client. I think if the principal instruction is not given, the jury will have no law to allow them to lay that blame over. After being asked by the trial court if he had any further argument, defense counsel stated: I really  got any other than [the prosecutor] is an indian giver. Although defense counsel disagreed with the giving of the principal instruction, it does not appear from the record that counsel ever objected to the giving of the instruction. As we have noted, [i]ssues pertaining to jury instructions are not preserved for appellate review unless a specific objection has been voiced at trial. Lawrence, 831 So.2d at 137. Defense counsel's objection was inadequate, and Globe's claim is procedurally barred.