Louisiana Criminal Jury Instructions (2017)
§ 6:19 Burden of proof—Self Defense

A defendant who raises the defense that he acted in self-defense does not have the burden of proof on that issue. The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the [homicide][offense] was not committed in self-defense.

Comments note that the issue of burden of proof is unsettled in cases of non-homicide self-defense, but recommends that this jury instruction be given.

Updated: 7/12/2017