State v. Iten case brief

State v. Iten case brief summary
401 N.W.2d 127 (1987)

CASE SYNOPSIS

Defendant sought review of an order from the District Court, Hennepin County (Minnesota), which convicted him of criminal vehicular operation resulting in death. Defendant ran a red light at an intersection and ran into an automobile. The victim was thrown from the automobile onto the road where defendant's truck's rear dual wheels ran over her, killing her instantly.

DISCUSSION

• Viewed in the light most favorable to the State, and without disturbing the jury's right to believe the State's witnesses and to disbelieve any contrary witnesses, the evidence was sufficient to support the verdict. 
• The trial court's refusal of additional jury instructions on the issue of causation was not an abuse of discretion. 
• Evidence of proximate cause was not relevant in a criminal prosecution. 
• The court further found that contributory negligence was not a defense to a criminal prosecution.

CONCLUSION
The court affirmed defendant's conviction.

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