Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Jury Instructions
Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of first degree murder, and sentenced to 40 years. Court allowed Defendant to proceed pro se at trial. Court had no obligation to inform Defendant of his responsibility to request second degree murder instruction, or to introduce it sua sponte, as decision to request instruction was solely up to Defendant.
(McCULLOUGH and COOK, concurring.)