State v. Adkison

Mr. Brian J. Adkison (“Adkison”) appeals his conviction for forcible rape in the Circuit Court of Boone County, Missouri (“trial court”). Adkison does not challenge the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction. Instead, on appeal, Adkison first argues that the trial court coerced a verdict in violation of his right to due process of law through its erroneous use of a “hammer instruction.” Second, Adkison *648contends that the trial court violated his constitutional right to testify in his own defense at trial. We affirm.

Factual and Procedural Background

On November 22, 2013, Adkison…