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240 N.W.2d 640

State v. Wall

Supreme Court of Iowa

Decided March 17, 1976

Supreme Court of Iowa · decided 1976-03-17

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently April 1977

2 state decisions

Relies on Brainard v. State · Michels v. Brewer · State v. Hackett

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1976-03-17

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UHLENHOPP, Justice

¶1(dissenting).

¶2I think the record shows defendant understood the nature of the charge. The court asked defendant if he understood the State had to prove that he uttered the check, that he did so with intent to defraud,, and that he achieved some portion of his result of defrauding. Defendant responded affirmatively.

¶3The court thus stated the heart of the offense, or the “nature” of it. I do not understand that a court must mechanically tick off each element of the offense as though the court were instructing a jury. State v. Hackett, 201 N.W.2d 487, 490 (Iowa) (“discussion of each essential element of the crime charged was not necessary”). We have said that substantial compliance, rather than a ritualistic formula, is required. Brainard v. State, 222 N.W.2d 711 (Iowa); Michels v. Brewer, 211 N.W.2d 293 (Iowa).

¶4I think the district court met the requirement. I would affirm.

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