State v. Taylor

OPINION

GORDON, Chief Justice.

Sherman Earl Taylor (defendant) petitioned for review of the court of appeals’ memorandum decision affirming his conviction for second degree murder. We granted review to determine: (1) whether the trial court erred by refusing to give a justification instruction pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-411, and (2) whether the trial court erred by precluding evidence of the victim’s prior conviction for child abuse. We have jurisdiction pursuant to Ariz. Const, art. 6, § 5(3), and A.R.S. § 12-120.24.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Defendant, his girlfriend, and their children…