State v. Martin

Defendant Scott Martin appeals the district court’s denial of his motion for acquittal or a new trial. A jury convicted defendant of abusing his son, J.M., in violation of 13 VS.A. § 1042. He argues that (1) the evidence is insufficient to support his conviction and (2) the court erred in instructing the jury on the defense of lawful corporal punishment. We affirm.

Defendant shares custody of his two children, J.M. and C.M., with their mother. On June 30, 1998, mother delivered the children to defendant for a two-week visit. Defendant resides with Christine Jacobs. She testified that, on July…