Whenever somebody is charged with certain California crimes and goes to trial, at the end of the case and even in the middle of the case, the judge reads jury instructions to the prospective jurors.
They do this to educate the jurors on the law applicable to their case. These are known as California Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM).
The jury instructions are really that each crime has its own elements. For example, somebody commits a crime, and that person will be charged with that crime. The prosecutors will have to prove that person guilty at a jury trial.
However, it's crucial to understand that the defense plays a significant role in proving the defendant's innocence. Both sides present evidence, and in the end, the jurors deliberate.
Proving the Elements of the Crime
During deliberation, the jurors assess whether the facts presented by the prosecution align with the elements of the crimes charged against the defendant.
Basically, what you're talking about is a situation where the jurors will look at the jury instructions. Then, they will compare those jury instructions to whatever facts the prosecutors gave them. So, it will be up to the prosecutors a lot of times to actually:
- show the jury instructions to the jurors,
- which is the law, and
- show how they met each element of each jury's instruction.
So, they will go through the jury instructions. They'll have them up on a screen, and they will try to show that they put on the evidence necessary to prove those particular charges against a defendant.
If the jury finds that the prosecutors met all the elements of the jury instructions, then the jury would find the defendant guilty.
On the other hand, if the jury finds that certain elements were not met by the prosecutors, then they would have to find the person not guilty.
How Jury Instructions are Created
A lot of people ask how the jury instructions in California are developed. Basically, the judges work together and are the ones who develop the jury instructions.
So, the judge is tasked with reading the jury instructions to the jurors:
- sometimes, they will read them some opening remarks when the trial first starts;
- sometimes, they'll even read some jury instructions in the middle;
- other times, at the end of the case.
They'll give the jurors a packet of jury instructions, which they can look over if they have any questions during the trial.
They can compare them with the facts that they heard and decide whether or not the prosecutor has met their burden.
These jury instructions can be important sometimes because it's not clear whether or not sufficient evidence and facts were presented to the jury, so the jury looks at the instructions.
Sometimes, the attorneys and the judge fight over which jury instructions will be included, what language will be included, and whether certain jury instructions apply to a particular case.
Criminal Defense Attorney for California Crimes
Having a skilled attorney by your side is crucial in navigating the complexities of jury instructions. I've been interpreting and arguing these instructions for nearly 30 years.
I have a lot of experience handling jury instructions, and sometimes, we even include our own jury instructions to ensure we get that not-guilty verdict.
If you or a loved one has a trial and you're concerned about jury instructions, don't hesitate to reach out. We understand the importance of addressing these concerns early, so pick up the phone and ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding. We're here to support you every step of the way.
With over 200 trials under my belt and a career defending cases since the early 1990s, I stand ready to help you. You can rest assured that you're in good hands with our firm.
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