South Carolina Requests to Charge – Criminal
PART VI DEFENSES

§ 6-9 Self-Defense – Prior Difficulties

In this case, there was evidence of prior difficulties between the parties. You may consider these prior difficulties in assessing the reasonableness of defendant’s action. These prior difficulties are relevant in showing defendant’s state of mind on this particular occasion. Evidence of prior difficulties may be considered by you as showing the animus or attitude of the parties to each other, to assist you in determining who was the aggressor. However, this evidence may be considered by you for that purpose only.

 

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