Paul v. State

OPINION

BRYNER, Chief Judge.

Adam Paul appeals to this court from his conviction of first-degree murder. Paul challenges the trial court’s failure to submit the issue of self-defense to the jury. In determining whether the jury should have been instructed on self-defense, we must construe the evidence in the light most favorable to the accused. Bangs v. State, 608 P.2d 1 (Alaska 1980); Toomey v. State, 581 P.2d 1124 (Alaska 1978). Accordingly, we will summarize the relevant evidence favorable to Adam Paul’s claim of self-defense.

In September, 1979, Adam Paul, who was eighteen years of age,…