People v. Morris

Defendant was convicted of first degree murder based on theory of accountability. No ineffective assistance in defense counsel's closing argument stating that Defendant's mere presence at scene was insufficient to find him guilty under accountability, as this was a reasonable trial strategy and an accurate statement of the law, and Defendant was not prejudiced by comments. Decision to call witness was part of reasonable trial strategy to present multiple versions of attack to jury, to create reasonable doubt. No error in court failing to ask jury venire if they also accepted the Zehr principles, after collectively asking them whether they understood those principles, as admonishments were sufficient to confirm venire's understanding and acceptance of all principles. (HOWSE and TAYLOR, concurring.)