| REQUESTS FOR JURY INSTRUCTIONS |
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| Both the prosecution and a defendant have a right to request that certain instructions be submitted to a jury when a trial court charges the jury. A request for the instructions must be made in writing and must be presented to the trial court prior to the trial court's charge to the jury. The request may also be dictated to a court reporter in the presence of the trial court and counsel for both parties.More... |
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| PRETRIAL CONTINUANCES |
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| A continuance is an adjournment or a postponement of a case. A continuance may be sought by either the prosecution or the defense in a criminal case. The continuance may be sought before a trial or during the trial.More... |
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| THE FEDERAL "THREE STRIKES" LAW |
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| The Federal "Three Strikes" Law was enacted as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The "Three Strikes" Law requires enhancement of sentencing for a defendant who has been convicted of two prior felonies.More... |
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| SELF-DEFENSE |
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| Self-defense is a defense that may be claimed by a defendant when the defendant reasonably believes that force is necessary for his or her protection against another person's use or attempted use of unlawful force. Self-defense means that the defendant is justified in using force against the other person. More... |
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| Discovery and Brady Materials |
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| In accordance with the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution, the Government has an obligation to provide a defendant, upon his request, of all evidence in its possession that is favorable to the defendant and material to the case against the defendant. If the Government fails to disclose the requested information to the defendant, a new trial may be required. More... |
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