Court Opinion

ID: 9659820
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 21:55:13.60928+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:14:11.755065
License: Public Domain

ZASTROW, Justice
(concurring specially)-
Although I concur in the result reached in the majority opinion, the instruction defining first degree manslaughter should not be viewed as a model for future cases. When the charge is first degree manslaughter, the trial court should fashion its instructions to define first degree manslaughter without reference to murder. The instructions should define what first degree manslaughter is rather than what it is not.
Additionally, the use of a slide projector during jury deliberations is not a recommended method of review of slides admitted as evidence. Any beneficial effect which may be achieved by limiting the screen time during the trial is seriously jeopardized by the unlimited use of the projector by the jurors. A small slide viewer can adequately allow the jurors to individually review the slides during deliberation.
I am authorized to state that Justice WOLLMAN joins in this special concurrence.