State v. Hoadley

Defendant Blanche Hoadley was convicted, after trial by jury, of (1) simple assault in violation of 13 V.S.A. § 1023(a)(1), and (2) simple assault on a law enforcement officer in violation of 13 V.S.A. §§ 1023(a)(1) and 1028(a)(1). Defendant appeals, claiming five grounds for reversal. Defendant’s primary contentions are that the trial court erroneously failed to instruct the jury on the necessity defense, and committed plain error by instructing the jury that defense of a third person does not apply to this case. Defendant also claims the court erred in its jury instructions concerning the…