People v. Goetz

The Goetz case was, in its day, the trial of the century, at least for New Yorkers living in an increasingly dangerous city. It is a cultural, legal, racial, and political moment and touchstone. Feel free to research on the internet the background to the case, as well as the trial and acquittal. 

The Goetz case we read actually occurs before the trial and challenges the indictment. This appellate decision by New York's highest court (called the Court of Appeals) makes clear the mental standard for self defense. In addition to that, as you apply that standard to these facts, please consider what the mental state applies to. That is, Bernard Goetz must have had a reasonable belief that what fact was true? In some ways, answering that question is the key to the case.