People v. Knight

The identity of the person who committed the crime is often the most critical issue that arises during the course of a criminal trial. Yet, despite its importance, the majority holds in a brief memorandum that there is no need to highlight the burden of proof applicable to the identity issue through a specialized instruction. Because I conclude that the charge is a necessary component of any trial in which identification is in issue, I respectfully dissent.

The preserved issue before the Court in this appeal is whether in a case involving identification reversal is required because of the…