Supreme Court of Florida

Amos Augustus Williams v. State of Florida

January 9, 2014

Summary

The court held that the standard jury instruction for attempted manslaughter by act was fundamentally erroneous because it required proof that the defendant intended to cause the victim's death, an element not required for attempted manslaughter. The court also held that attempted manslaughter by act remains a viable offense. It quashed the Fourth District's decision, approved the conflicting decision, and remanded for further proceedings.