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Jury Instructions on Self Defense In determining what evidence is sufficient, such that the Defendant is entitled to a jury instruction on a mitigating factor or a defense, the Court must consider the evidence presented at trial in the light most favorable to the defendant. The trial court has the duty to instruct the Finder of Fact on all features deemed substantial in a case. Defenses raised in the presentation of evidence are deemed substantial features of the case. Substantial evidence is therefore defined as relevant evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as enough or adequate to support a conclusion. Whether or not the evidence is sufficient to require an instruction on self-defense is a question of law. What are Reasonable Grounds? As such, the appellate review of the decision not to give a jury instruction involving self-defense is De Novo.....