The Court Will Decide If a Defendant Is Entitled to a Lesser

question 38

Essay

The court will decide if a defendant is entitled to a lesser included offense instruction and if it determines it is necessary,it will do so during jury instructions.What two things will the court consider when making this decision?

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Definitions:

Diathesis-Stress Model

A psychological theory that explains behavior as both a result of biological and genetic factors ("diathesis") and life experiences ("stress").

Developmental Trajectory

The course of development taken by an individual or group over time, often studied in psychological and educational contexts.

Emotional Sensitivity

An individual's heightened ability to perceive, feel, and respond to emotions in themselves or others.

Causal Link

A relationship where one event or action is understood to directly cause another.