State of Minnesota v. Robert Lee Baker, III

Summary

The court held that Baker presented sufficient evidence to warrant jury instructions on self-defense and defense of others, applying the standard that the evidence must permit a reasonable juror to find that the defenses were supported. The court concluded that the district court abused its discretion by refusing the instructions and that the error was prejudicial because the jury was required to convict even if it believed Baker acted defensively. The court reversed and remanded for a new trial.