170 Wis. 188 | Wis. | 1919
The issue in this case at the close of the. evidence was very simple. The plaintiff claimed that the
The law unquestionably is that where, as in this case, the defendant admits the blow, but claims that his act was justified by the law of self-defense, he has the burden of proving the facts which show that he acted in proper self-defense. Monson v. Lewis, 123 Wis. 583, 101 N. W. 1094, and cases cited; 5 Corp. Jur. p. 664, § 102.
The conflict in the evidence was very sharp on the question as to who was the aggressor in the fracas, and under such circumstances an instruction which places the burden of proof on the wrong party on the main issue in the case must be deemed in all ordinary cases to affect the substantial rights of the party. Carle v. Nelson, 145 Wis. 593, 130 N. W. 467.
By the Court. — Judgment reversed, and action remanded for a new trial.