People v. Poddar

In People v. Poddar (1974) 10 Cal.3d 750, the Supreme Court held that malice may be implied from a finding that the defendant acted with "wanton disregard for human life." The court noted: "If it is established that an accused, because he suffered a diminished capacity, was unaware of or unable to act in accordance with the law, malice could not properly be found and the maximum offense for which he could be convicted would be voluntary manslaughter." ( Id., at p. 758.)