Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Discuss Jury Instructions
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Discuss Jury Instructions
Jury instructions are a critical part of any criminal trial in Texas. As a defendant, having an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to craft effective jury instructions can make all the difference in whether you are convicted or acquitted.
In this article, we’ll break down what jury instructions are, why they matter so much, and how criminal defense lawyers approach them strategically to defend their clients. We’ll also look at some real examples of jury instructions used in Texas criminal trials.
What are Jury Instructions?
Jury instructions are the official guidelines the judge provides to the jury before they deliberate on reaching a verdict. They explain the relevant laws related to the case and what exactly the jury needs to determine in order to reach a verdict of guilty or not guilty.
Jury instructions can cover things like:
- What the legal definition of the crime is
- What the prosecution needs to prove for the defendant to be found guilty
- Any defenses the defendant is claiming, like self-defense or insanity
- What the different possible verdicts could be
The judge is responsible for drafting the jury instructions, but the prosecution and defense also submit proposed instructions. The judge decides which ones to include in the final set given to the jury.
Why Jury Instructions Matter
Jury instructions are so important because they shape how the jury thinks about the evidence and the questions they need to resolve. The way the instructions are written can influence whether the jury leans more towards guilt or innocence.
For example, if the crime requires proving the defendant had “intent” to commit the crime, how “intent” gets defined in the instructions affects how hard or easy it is for the prosecution to prove guilt. An experienced defense lawyer will craft proposed instructions that define intent narrowly to make it harder to prove.
Instructions on defenses like self-defense are also critical. If the jury doesn’t understand the legal standards for self-defense, they may wrongly convict a defendant who was legitimately defending themselves.
Studies show that jurors rely heavily on jury instructions to guide their decision-making. That’s why fighting for defense-friendly instructions is so important for criminal lawyers.
How Criminal Defense Lawyers Approach Jury Instructions
When preparing for trial, lawyers spend a lot of time strategizing over jury instructions. Here are some of the things smart criminal defense lawyers do:
- Submit proposed instructions that are slanted towards the defense perspective
- Object to instructions proposed by the prosecution that could hurt the defense case
- Use plain language that’s easy for jurors to understand
- Emphasize high burdens of proof for the prosecution
- Request instructions on lesser-included offenses
- Cover defenses thoroughly and clearly
Experienced lawyers also study how different wording and phrasing in instructions influences jury decision-making. They rely on research and past cases to craft instructions to their advantage.
Often the prosecution and defense will negotiate and compromise over jury instructions, each side giving up certain things to get other advantages. Legal skills are crucial here to get the best outcome for the client.
Examples of Jury Instructions in Texas Trials
Looking at real-world examples helps show how jury instructions work in practice. Here are some excerpts from instructions given in Texas criminal trials:
Murder Trial Instructions
“A person commits the offense of murder if he intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual. A person acts intentionally when it is his conscious desire to engage in the conduct or cause the result. He acts knowingly when he is aware his conduct is reasonably certain to cause death.”
This instruction explains the legal definition of murder that the jury must follow. Key is the definition of “intentionally” which sets the bar for what the prosecution must prove about the defendant’s state of mind.
Self-Defense Instructions
“A person is justified in using force against another when and to the degree he reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect himself against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful force. The use of force is not justified to resist an arrest that the defendant knows is being made by a peace officer.”
This lays out the legal standard for self-defense that the jury must apply. It explains both when force can be used and highlights that it does not apply for resisting lawful arrest.
Lesser Included Offense Instruction
“If you do not find beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of aggravated robbery, you will next consider whether the defendant is guilty of the lesser included offense of robbery. To find the defendant guilty of robbery, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally or knowingly threatened or placed another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.”
This gives the jury the option to convict on a lesser charge if they do not find the elements for aggravated robbery proven. This acts as a backstop helping avoid outright acquittal.
As you can see, jury instructions cover the key legal issues in a case and have a huge impact on the outcome. Having an experienced lawyer crafting them can make all the difference for a defendant.
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, don’t leave your fate to chance. Consult with a knowledgeable Texas criminal defense attorney who has a proven record of success challenging jury instructions. There are always options and defenses that an expert lawyer can identify to protect your rights and freedom.
Sources:
[1] https://www.tdcaa.com/journal/self-defense-and-jury-instructions/
[4] https://jamespublishing.com/product/texas-criminal-jury-charges/
[5] https://www.texasbarpractice.com/product/texas-criminal-pattern-jury-charges-online-subscription/
[6] https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth638546/m2/1/high_res_d/UNT-0051-0015.pdf