United States v. Jones

Opinion of the Court

COOK, Judge:

The appellant was tried by a general court-martial for unpremeditated murder in violation of Article 118, Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 918. Contrary to his plea, he was found guilty of the lesser included offense of involuntary manslaughter in violation of Article 119, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 919. We granted review to determine whether the military judge’s instructions adequately covered the issue of self-defense.

Private Cunningham returned to his barracks after having become intoxicated at a company party. A fight ensued between him and the…