State v. Scott

757 P.2d 492, 110 Wash. 2d 682

• Court: Washington Supreme Court
• Decided: June 9, 1988
• Docket: 54241-4
• Status: Published

Opinions

Durham, J.

Ferdinand Brown was arrested on March 26, 1985, along with two other individuals, while riding in the back of an automobile which had been seen near the site of a burglary. On the seat next to Brown, police found several pieces of electronics equipment which were identified as missing from the burglarized apartment.

At Brown's trial, the State argued that while Brown may not have personally removed the stolen items from the apartment, he was an accomplice to the burglary. Brown offered, and the trial court accepted, an instruction on accomplice liability that described "knowledge" as an element of the offense but did not define the term.¹ The trial court did not supplement this instruction with one defining "knowledge".

Brown made no objection at trial to the judge's failure to define "knowledge" and raised the issue for the first time on appeal. Brown argued in the Court of Appeals, and continues to argue here, that the trial court's failure to submit to the jury a definition of "knowledge" was constitutional error and thus may be challenged for the first time on appeal under the authority of RAP 2.5(a)(3). The Court of Appeals decided that Brown's challenge need not be entertained because the asserted error, even if constitutional, was not "obvious and manifest". State v. Scott, 48 Wn. App. 561, 567-69, 739 P.2d 742 (1987).² We granted Brown's petition for review.

I

This case points out the need for clarification of certain matters of trial and appellate procedure. Primary among these are the scope and basis of our holding in State v. Allen, 101 Wn.2d 355, 678 P.2d 798 (1984), that when the trial court instructs the jury on the elements of a crime for which the mens rea is "intent”, that term must be defined in the manner set forth in RCW 9A.08.010(l)(a). Not decided in Allen, and at issue here, is the applicability of this rule to the mental state of "knowledge" described in RCW 9A.08.010(l)(b). Also unstated in Allen is the precise legal basis for the decision. Brown, and at least one panel of the Court of Appeals, have interpreted Allen as constitutionally based. See State v. Tyler, 47 Wn. App. 648, 652-53, 736 P.2d 1090 (1987). Other courts, including the court below, have been reluctant to view Allen in this way. See State v. Scott, at 567-68; State v. Thompson, 47 Wn. App. 1, 9, 733 P.2d 584, review denied, 108 Wn.2d 1014 (1987); State v. Boot, 40 Wn. App. 215, 218, 697 P.2d 1034 (1985).

The scope and basis of the Allen holding is determinative of Brown's right to present his appeal. Having failed to object at trial to the absence of an instruction defining "knowledge”, Brown may not raise the objection for the first time on appeal unless it relates to "manifest error affecting a constitutional right." RAP 2.5(a)(3). Thus, only if the rule of Allen is a constitutional rule, and only if the rule extends to "knowledge", can Brown's appeal be heard.

Also in need of clarification is the proper construction to be given the "manifest error" standard stated in RAP 2.5(a)(3). The court below, apparently concerned that "the rule is often construed too broadly", asserted its discretion to refuse review of constitutional errors when "obvious and manifest injustice" has not occurred. Scott, at 568; see also State v. Stubsjoen, 48 Wn. App. 139, 147-50, 738 P.2d 306, review denied, 108 Wn.2d 1033 (1987). This approach reflects a much narrower construction of RAP 2.5(a)(3) than we previously have adopted. In several cases, we have held that instructional errors which are "of a constitutional magnitude" may be raised for the first time on appeal, without considering the degree to which the asserted errors were "manifest". State v. McCullum, 98 Wn.2d 484, 487-88, 656 P.2d 1064 (1983); see State v. Peterson, 73 Wn.2d 303, 306, 438 P.2d 183 (1968).

We will attempt in this opinion to explain the "manifest error" standard of RAP 2.5(a)(3) and to clarify our holding in Allen. With respect to the case at hand, we affirm the judgment of the Court of Appeals.

II

RAP 2.5(a) states the general rule for appellate disposition of issues not raised in the trial court: appellate courts will not entertain them. See, e.g., State v. Coe, 109 Wn.2d 832, 842, 750 P.2d 208 (1988); State v. Peterson, supra at 306. The rule reflects a policy of encouraging the efficient use of judicial resources. The appellate courts will not sanction a party's failure to point out at trial an error which the trial court, if given the opportunity, might have been able to correct to avoid an appeal and a consequent new trial. See Seattle v. Harclaon, 56 Wn.2d 596, 597, 354 P.2d 928 (1960).

With respect to claimed errors in jury instructions in criminal cases, this general rule has a specific applicability. CrR 6.15(c) requires that timely and well stated objections be made to instructions given or refused "in order that the trial court may have the opportunity to correct any error." Seattle v. Rainwater, 86 Wn.2d 567, 571, 546 P.2d 450 (1976); cf. Henderson v. Kibbe, 431 U.S. 145, 154, 52 L. Ed. 2d 203, 97 S. Ct. 1730 (1977) (describing analogous federal rule). Citing this rule or the principles it embodies, this court on many occasions has refused to review. asserted instructional errors to which no meaningful exceptions were taken at trial. See, e.g., Rainwater, at 570-72; State v. Scherer, 77 Wn.2d 345, 352, 462 P.2d 549 (1969); State v. Louie, 68 Wn.2d 304, 311-12, 413 P.2d 7 (1966), cert. denied, 386 U.S. 1042 (1967).

Brown's instructional challenge squarely confronts these procedural barriers. He did not object at trial to the accomplice liability instruction that was given; indeed, the trial court accepted a version of the instruction that Brown had proposed. Nor did Brown request an instruction defining "knowledge", the omission of which he now asserts to be error. Thus, Brown comes before this court in much the same position as did the defendant in State v. Kroll, 87 Wn.2d 829, 558 P.2d 173 (1976), and our response to Brown's claim should be the same as our response in Kroll: "No error can be predicated on the failure of the trial court to give an instruction when no request for such an instruction was ever made." Kroll, at 843.

Not surprisingly, therefore, Brown seeks to avoid the consequences of his failure to comply with the well settled procedural requirements by elevating his challenge "into the constitutional realm". Louie, at 314. As our cases hold, and RAP 2.5(a)(3) succinctly states, certain instructional errors that are of constitutional magnitude may be challenged for the first time on appeal. Constitutional errors are treated specially because they often result in serious injustice to the accused.³ State v. Peterson, supra at 306 n.5. Such errors also require appellate court attention because they may adversely affect the public's perception of the fairness and integrity of judicial proceedings. State v. McHenry, 88 Wn.2d 211, 558 P.2d 188 (1977); see generally 3A C. Wright, Federal Practice § 856, at 339-41 (2d ed. 1982).⁴

The Court of Appeals assumed that Brown's challenge is constitutional, but refused review because it did not believe the asserted error to be "manifest" within the meaning of RAP 2.5(a)(3). Specifically, the court determined that the "failure to define knowledge [could not have] created 'obvious and manifest injustice”. State v. Scott, 48 Wn. App. 561, 569, 739 P.2d 742 (1987). We take a different approach. First, we do not assume that Brown's challenge is of constitutional magnitude, but conclude that the error Brown asserts is not in fact constitutional error. See infra. Second, we would not limit applicability of RAP 2.5(a)(3) according to the degree to which the asserted error appears "manifest".

We agree with the Court of Appeals that the constitutional error exception is not intended to afford criminal defendants a means for obtaining new trials whenever they can "identify a constitutional issue not litigated below." State v. Valladares, 31 Wn. App. 63, 76, 639 P.2d 813 (1982), aff'd in part, rev'd in part, 99 Wn.2d 663, 664 P.2d 508 (1983). The exception actually is a narrow one, affording review only of "certain constitutional questions". Comment (a), RAP 2.5, 86 Wn.2d 1152 (1976). Moreover, the exception does not help a defendant when the asserted constitutional error is harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. See Chapman v. California, 386 U.S. 18, 17 L. Ed. 2d 705, 87 S. Ct. 824, 24 A.L.R.3d 1065 (1967).

We disagree, however, that by deciding that an error is not "manifest", an appellate court can usefully shortcut the review process. Even the threshold determination of "reviewability" requires diligent attention to the record. Cf. United States v. Young, 470 U.S. 1, 16, 84 L. Ed. 2d 1, 105 S. Ct. 1038 (1985) ("Especially when addressing plain error, a reviewing court cannot properly evaluate a case except by viewing such a claim against the entire record."). Thus, no appellate effort is saved by cutting off review of those cases in which reversal is determined to be unnecessary.

The proper way to approach claims of constitutional error asserted for the first time on appeal is as follows. First, the appellate court should satisfy itself that the error is truly of constitutional magnitude — that is what is meant by "manifest".⁵ If the asserted error is not a constitutional error, the court may refuse review on that ground. If the claim is constitutional, then the court should examine the effect the error had on the defendant's trial according to the harmless error standard set forth in Chapman v. California, supra.

The practicality of this method of analysis is attested to by the long-standing practice of this and other appellate courts. See, e.g., State v. Cox, 94 Wn.2d 170, 615 P.2d 465 (1980); United States v. Lopez, 575 F.2d 681, 685 (9th Cir. 1978); United States v. Gunter, 546 F.2d 861, 865 (10th Cir. 1976), cert. denied, 431 U.S. 920 (1977). Also recommending this approach is its forthrightness. By making express the determinations that a literal refusal to "review" might leave unexplained, we can improve the perceived fairness of our rulings and contribute to the development of important areas of criminal and constitutional law.

Ill

Under the approach described above, we first ask if Brown's claim is truly of constitutional magnitude. Brown points to State v. Allen, 101 Wn.2d 355, 678 P.2d 798 (1984) and State v. Davis, 27 Wn. App. 498, 618 P.2d 1034 (1980). These cases, Brown asserts, constitutionalized the long-recognized rule that '"[t]he court in the trial of a criminal case is required to define technical words and expressions, but not words and expressions which are of ordinary understanding and self-explanatory.'" State v. Lyskoski, 47 Wn.2d 102, 111, 287 P.2d 114 (1955) (quoting 1 E. Branson, Instructions to Juries § 55, at 169 (3d ed. 1936)).

We recently rejected a similar argument in State v. Ng, 110 Wn.2d 32, 44, 750 P.2d 632 (1988). The defendant in Ng argued for the first time on appeal that the trial court's failure to define "theft" in an instruction for robbery was error. We explained our refusal to consider the challenge by quoting the following passage from State v. Pawling, 23 Wn. App. 226, 597 P.2d 1367, review denied, 92 Wn.2d 1035 (1979):

The constitutional requirement is only that the jury be instructed as to each element of the offense charged. State v. Emmanuel, 42 Wn.2d 799, 259 P.2d 845 (1953). Here the jury was so instructed. The failure of the court in the case at bench to define further one of those elements is not within the ambit of the constitutional rule. The claimed error not being of constitutional magnitude, we need not treat it here.

Ng, at 44 (quoting Pawling, at 232).

Our holding in Allen in no way conflicts with this reasoning. Allen was nothing more than a straightforward application of the technical term rule. The Allen opinion neither mentions the constitution, nor implies reliance on it. Indeed, the constitutionality of the asserted error was not in issue because the instruction was properly excepted to in the trial court. See Allen, at 357. Thus, Allen does not support Brown's contention that the failure to define a technical term in an instruction is constitutional error that may be raised for the first time on appeal.

Nor does Davis. In Davis, the Court of Appeals permitted the defendant to challenge for the first time on appeal the trial court's failure to define "robbery" in an instruction on accomplice liability for that crime. As we explained in Ng, the error Davis deemed to be of constitutional magnitude was the omission from the jury instructions of the elements of the crime of robbery, not the failure to define the word "robbery". Ng, at 45; see also State v. Johnson, 100 Wn.2d 607, 623, 674 P.2d 145 (1983) (citing Davis as case involving error of "nondirection"), overruled on other grounds in State v. Bergeron, 105 Wn.2d 1, 711 P.2d 1000 (1985); Davis, at 506 (challenge raised on appeal was to "an error of nondirection").

The technical term rule attempts to ensure that criminal defendants are not convicted by a jury that misunderstands the applicable law. Thus, the rule complements the constitutional requirement articulated in Davis, and later recognized in State v. Johnson, supra, that the jury be informed of all the elements of the crime charged. But the constitutional requirement and the technical term rule are not identical. "[Fjailure to give a definitional instruction is not failure to instruct on an essential element ..." State v. Tarango,_N.M._, 734 P.2d 1275, 1282 (Ct. App.), cert. denied, 105 N.M. 521, 734 P.2d 761 (1987); see Rohlfing v. State, 612 S.W.2d 598, 602-03 (Tex. Crim. App. 1981).

The requirements of due process usually are met when the jury is informed of all the elements of an offense and instructed that unless each element is established beyond a reasonable doubt the defendant must be acquitted. See State v. Johnson, supra at 623; State v. McHenry, 88 Wn.2d 211, 558 P.2d 188 (1977). If a defendant feels the prosecution's case is weak on one of the elements, he may so argue to the jury. He also may advance his argument in a well crafted instruction, which the trial court may accept or reject, taking into account the relevant law and the defendant's right to present his theory of the case. See State v. Amezola, 49 Wn. App. 78, 87, 741 P.2d 1024 (1987). But we find nothing in the constitution, as interpreted in the cases of this or indeed any court, requiring that the meanings of particular terms used in an instruction be specifically defined. Because Brown failed to propose a defining instruction at trial, therefore, he may not raise the absence of such an instruction for the first time on appeal. Lysko-ski, at 111; State v. Kroll, 87 Wn.2d 829, 843, 558 P.2d 173 (1976).

IV

Brown's appeal presents an opportunity for us to clarify another aspect of Allen: the applicability of that case's holding to the other mental states defined in RCW 9A.08-.010(1). Allen held that "intent" must be defined according to its statutory definition (when a party so requests) because that definition differs from common understandings of the word's meaning. Here, we are presented with the question of whether "knowledge" must be defined when requested.

Brown argues that RCW 9A.08.010(l)(b) gives "knowledge" a technical meaning, thus triggering the technical term rule. We recognize that some dicta in the Allen opinion appears to support this argument. See Allen, at 360 ("In defining the hierarchy of four levels of culpability, it is apparent that the Legislature gave these culpable mental states technical meanings as opposed to their commonly understood meanings."). Nevertheless, we cannot agree with Brown's contention.

That "knowledge" has been given a statutory definition does not mean it has acquired a technical meaning. In fact, the definition of "knowledge" set forth in RCW 9 A. 08-.010(1)(b) merely reiterates the word's plain meaning. The dictionary defines "knowledge" as "the fact or condition of being . . . aware of something". Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1252 (1981). The statute says that a person acts with knowledge when "he is aware of a fact, facts, or circumstances or result described by a statute defining an offense". RCW 9A.08.010(l)(b)(i).⁶ We do not perceive these definitions to be substantively different. Thus, we do not believe the technical term rule requires that the jury be instructed on the meaning of "knowledge" when the word is used to define a criminal offense. Accord, United States v. Smith, 635 F.2d 716, 720 (8th Cir. 1980).

This is not to say, of course, that reason exists why trial courts should refuse requests that "knowledge" be defined. For certain offenses — complicity being one — definitional instructions of "knowledge" are recommended. See WPIC 10.51 Note on Use. Trial courts should exercise sound discretion to determine the appropriateness of acceding to requests that words of common understanding be specifically defined. See State v. Amezola, supra at 87-88.

Brown's conviction is affirmed.

Dolliver, Dore, Andersen, Callow, and Goodloe, JJ., concur.

1 Instruction 7 read as follows: "A person who is an accomplice in the commission of a burglary is guilty of that crime whether present at the scene or not.

"A person is accomplice in the commission of a burglary, if, with knowledge that it will promote or facilitate the commission of the crime, he or she either:

" (1) solicits, commands, encourages, or requests another person to commit the crime; or

" (2) aids or agrees to aid another person in planning or committing the burglary.

"The word 'aid' means all assistance whether given by words, acts, encouragement or support. A person who is present at the scene and is ready to assist in the burglary by his or her presence is aiding in the commission of the crime."

2 Brown has not sought review of the other issues he raised in the Court of Appeals.

3 Indeed, constitutional error is presumed to be prejudicial. State v. Guloy, 104 Wn.2d 412, 425, 705 P.2d 1182 (1985), cert. denied, 475 U.S. 1020 (1986); State v. Young, 48 Wn. App. 406, 417-18, 739 P.2d 1170 (1987).

4 Reference in this opinion to cases and commentary interpreting Fed. R. Crim. P. 52(b) is not intended to suggest that RAP 2.5(a)(3) is equivalent in all respects to the federal rule, but merely acknowledges our appellate rule's genesis in federal law. See Comment (a), RAP 2.5, 86 Wn.2d 1152 (1976). Indeed, because it covers only constitutional errors, RAP 2.5(a)(3) is significantly narrower than Fed. R. Crim. P. 52(b) which covers "[p]lain errors".

5 Examples of "manifest" constitutional errors in jury instructions are: directing a verdict, State v. Peterson, 73 Wn.2d 303, 306, 438 P.2d 183 (1968); shifting the burden of proof to the defendant, State v. McCullum, 98 Wn.2d 484, 487-88, 656 P.2d 1064 (1983); failing to define the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard, State v. McHenry, 88 Wn.2d 211, 214, 558 P.2d 188 (1977); failing to require a unanimous verdict, State v. Carothers, 84 Wn.2d 256, 262, 525 P.2d 731 (1974); and omitting an element of the crime charged, State v. Johnson, 100 Wn.2d 607, 623, 674 P.2d 145 (1983), overruled on other grounds in State v. Bergeron, 105 Wn.2d 1, 711 P.2d 1000 (1985). Instructional errors that do not fall within the scope of RAP 2.5(a)(3) include failure to instruct on a lesser included offense, State v. Mak, 105 Wn.2d 692, 745-49, 718 P.2d 407, cert. denied, 479 U.S. 995, 93 L. Ed. 2d 599, 107 S. Ct. 599 (1986); and failure to define individual terms. See infra.

6 As we held in State v. Shipp, 93 Wn.2d 510, 516, 610 P.2d 1322 (1980), the alternative meaning set forth in RCW 9A.08.010(l)(b)(ii) is invalid because it contradicts common understandings and is susceptible of unconstitutional interpretations.