People v. Morris

The sole issue presented by this appeal is whether the trial court’s refusal to clarify a point of law for the jury resulted in substantial prejudice to the defendant.

Defendant, Graylan Morris, was charged with the offense of burglary (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 38, par. 19 — 1(a)) at the home of Joseph Bakshis in North Chicago. Defendant was found guilty as charged following a trial by jury.

Defendant had been apprehended while attempting to drive away from the Bakshis home. Subsequent police investigation disclosed that defendant had Bakshis’ bank book in his possession. Defendant indicated…