United States v. Clayborne

OPINION OF THE COURT

FULTON, Senior Judge:

The appellant stands convicted of the unpremeditated murder, by stabbing, of Private Jack T. Outlaw. He has been sentenced to 20 years’ confinement at hard labor and a dishonorable discharge, together with reduction in grade and forfeitures of pay. Of the nine issues raised on appeal, we concern ourselves first with the appellant’s contention that he acted in self-defense and that the Government failed to negate that defense beyond a reasonable doubt. This is an issue of the gravest importance, not only for the appellant, but for the military appellate…