State v. Cameron
New Jersey Supreme Court
514 A.2d 1302 (1986)
- Written by Lucy Elsbree, JD
Facts
Following a series of altercations with five men who were playing cards in a vacant lot, Cameron (defendant) attacked one of the men with a broken bottle, causing serious injury to the victim’s hand. When the police arrived, Cameron, who had been drinking wine, threw a bottle at their vehicle, shouted obscenities, and had to be restrained and handcuffed. Cameron was charged with second degree aggravated assault, possession of the broken bottle with intent to injure and resisting arrest. At her trial, Cameron testified that she acted in self-defense and was angry that she and not the victim had been taken into custody. The trial court refused to submit the issue of Cameron’s intoxication as a defense to the jury, and Cameron was convicted. On appeal, the Appellate Division reversed the conviction on the ground that Cameron’s intoxication was a valid defense that should have been presented to the jury. The State (plaintiff) appealed to the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Clifford, J.)
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