In a recent court session, judges John Campbell and Robert Wiedemeyer presided over the case of State of Tennessee versus Barnes, where significant legal arguments were presented regarding jury instructions related to self-defense and the defense of a third person.

Attorney Ben Russ, representing the appellant, Mr. Barnes, outlined the circumstances surrounding the case, which stemmed from a tragic incident involving Mr. Barnes, his sister Miss Solomon, and her boyfriend, Mr. Campbell. The altercation occurred on December 25, 2018, during a family visit to their ailing father. Tensions escalated when Mr. Barnes attempted to take car keys from Miss Solomon, leading to a physical confrontation with Mr. Campbell, who intervened.

Mr. Russ argued that the jury was erroneously instructed on the defense of a third person, specifically regarding Mr. Campbell's actions during the incident. He contended that the instruction allowed the jury to consider Mr. Campbell's conduct as justified, despite the lack of evidence suggesting that Miss Solomon was in imminent danger from Mr. Barnes. The defense claimed that the instruction misapplied legal principles, as defenses should pertain solely to the defendant, not to third parties.

The court session highlighted the complexities of self-defense laws and the implications of jury instructions in determining the outcome of a case. The judges are expected to deliberate on the arguments presented and the appropriateness of the jury instructions in this contentious matter.