People v. Lachanais

Citations

• 32 Cal. 433

Syllabus

<p>Rational Doubt.—When the testimony on a trial for murder is entirely circumstantial, and there is nothing which connects the defendant directly with the homicide, the defendant if he desires it is entitled to a full and clear instruction as to what the law means by a rational doubt.</p> <p>Instructions in Criminal Case.—The better course is for tho Court never to refuse an instruction asked on behalf of a defendant in a criminal case, to which there is no valid objection although the jury may have been already fully instructed on the point. A District Attorney ought never to object to such instructions.</p>