23A-26-7. Verdict as to degree of crime--Lowest degree found on reasonable doubt.
Whenever a crime is distinguished by degrees, a jury, if it convicts an accused, shall find the degree of the crime of which he is guilty and include that finding in its verdict. When there is a reasonable ground of doubt as to which of two or more degrees an accused is guilty, he can be convicted of only the lowest degree.
Source: SDC 1939, §13.0104; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, §§34.3635, 34.3671; SDCL, §§23-44-6, 23-45-22; SL 1978, ch 178, §325.
Structure South Dakota Codified Laws
Title 23A - Criminal Procedure
Chapter 26 - (Rule 31) Verdict
Section 23A-26-1 - (Rule 31(a)) Unanimous verdict required--Return in open court.
Section 23A-26-3 - General verdict required--Special verdict permitted.
Section 23A-26-4 - Form of general verdict on not guilty plea.
Section 23A-26-5 - Form of verdict acquitting for insanity.
Section 23A-26-6 - Direction to reconsider improper verdict.
Section 23A-26-7 - Verdict as to degree of crime--Lowest degree found on reasonable doubt.
Section 23A-26-8 - (Rule 31(c)) Conviction of included offense or attempt.
Section 23A-26-9 - Appearance of defendant--When required for verdict.
Section 23A-26-11 - Recording of verdict--Inquiry of jury.
Section 23A-26-12.1 - Mental examination and report before hearing.
Section 23A-26-12.2 - Hearing.
Section 23A-26-12.3 - Burden of proof.
Section 23A-26-12.4 - Commitment--Duration.
Section 23A-26-12.5 - Release--Procedure--Compliance with prescribed regimen as condition.
Section 23A-26-12.6 - Failure to comply with regimen--Notice--Arrest--Court determination.
Section 23A-26-14 - Guilty but mentally ill verdict--Required findings.