This session will discuss proposed jury instructions in a self-defense case, including Lalchan v. United States, the DCCA’s most recent decision requiring a special self-defense instruction when the evidence shows that the defendant suffered from past intimate-partner violence. The discussion will include tips on preparing proposed instructions to increase a positive outcome for your client in a self-defense case and avoiding improper drafting of jury instructions that can severely undermine your client’s likelihood of success. The discussion will also include a review of the red-book instructions relating to when the use of force is reasonable, the use of deadly versus nondeadly force and imperfect self-defense claims when your client may be the initial aggressor.