State v. Coristine

¶1 This case asks us to determine whether the trial court violated petitioner Brandon Coristine’s constitutional rights by offering an affirmative defense instruction over his objection. Coristine argues that offering the instruction to the jury violated his right to control his defense. We hold that where a defendant chooses not to argue or invoke an affirmative defense, offering an instruction on the defense over the defendant’s objection violates the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. We reverse the Court of Appeals and remand for a new trial.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

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