People v. Vesey

Summary

The Illinois Supreme Court held that a defendant seeking a self-defense instruction in a case involving force against a police officer must present some evidence of each element of self-defense, including that the officer threatened unlawful force. The court found slight evidence supporting every element because the officer tackled Vesey without warning toward a concrete retaining wall, and it held that the trial court improperly refused the instruction. The court reversed the conviction and remanded for further proceedings.