TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................................................... 1

TABLE OF AUTHORITIES................................................................................................................................ 2

ARGUMENT....................................................................................................................................................... 3


TABLE OF AUTHORITIES

Cases

State v. Burriss, 334 S.C. 256, 513 S.E.2d 104 (1999)................................................................................ 3

State v. Goodson, 312 S.C. 278, 440 S.E.2d 370 (1994)............................................................................ 3

ARGUMENT

Mere unlawful possession of a firearm does not preclude involuntary manslaughter or the defense of accident.

In its brief, the State essentially argues that Wharton was not entitled to jury instructions on involuntary manslaughter or accident simply because he was unlawfully armed at the time of the homicide.  Moreover, the State contends, an armed defendant is entitled to those charges only when there is some evidence “he was acting in self-defense when the gun was fired.”  Respondent’s Brief, pp. 8 and 10.  The Court rejected this argument in State v. Goodson, 312 S.C. 278, 440 S.E.2d 370 (1994).  The State still must show that the unlawful possession of a firearm was the proximate cause of the killing.  State v. Burriss, 334 S.C. 256, 513 S.E.2d 104 (1999). 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Joseph L. Savitz, III
Chief Appellate Defender

ATTORNEY FOR RESPONDENT/PETITIONER

This 8th day of February, 2008.


STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

IN THE SUPREME COURT


Appeal from Greenville County

C. Victor Pyle, Jr., Circuit Court Judge


THE STATE,

PETITIONER/RESPONDENT

V.

DANNY ORLANDO WHARTON,

RESPONDENT/PETITIONER


REPLY BRIEF OF RESPONDENT
ON BEHALF OF RESPONDENT/PETITIONER


 

Joseph L. Savitz, III
Chief Appellate Defender

South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense
Division of Appellate Defense
PO Box 11589
Columbia, S. C. 29211-1589
(803) 734-1343

ATTORNEY FOR RESPONDENT/PETITIONER