Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Jury Instructions
Defendant appealed from his conviction for aggravated battery of a police officer for wrapping his arm around an officer’s neck after the officer tackled him. Defendant had requested a jury instruction on self-defense but the trial court found there was insufficient evidence to support the instruction. Defendant argued on appeal that this was an abuse of discretion but the appellate court disagreed and affirmed. (HARRIS, concurring and TURNER, dissenting)