People v. Jackson

A jury convicted defendant, Maurice A. Jackson, of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9—1(a)(1) (West 2004)). On July 27, 2004, the trial court sentenced defendant to 40 years in prison. Defendant appeals, arguing (1) the State failed to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in light of the jury’s answer to a special interrogatory; (2) the trial court committed reversible error by refusing to give a jury instruction on involuntary manslaughter; (3) the trial court committed reversible error by refusing to give a jury instruction on self-defense/justified use of force. We affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

O…