Phillips v. State

OPINION

By the Court, Becker, C. J.:

In this appeal, we consider the meaning of the terms “libel,” “disgrace” and “secret” as used in Nevada’s extortion statute, NRS 205.320. We conclude that “libel” refers to the publication of a false statement of fact, “disgrace” means to humiliate or cause loss of favor or standing, and “secret” means a fact that is unfavorable to the interest of a person and unknown to the public and that a person would wish to conceal.

Because the district court failed to properly instruct the jury about the elements of extortion, resulting in a verdict based on a legally…