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Welcome to the Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions. The instructions are sponsored by the Vermont Bar Association.
Use the drop-down menus above or the search function below to find individual instructions and the accompanying reporter's notes.
In addition, clicking on the menu headers above will show a table of contents for that section, and there is also a master table of contents available. Long-time users of the instructions will find the master table of contents to be in the familiar format.
Search for an Instruction:
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You may search for an instruction by using the name of the crime (e.g., kidnapping) or by using the statutory citation (e.g., 13 V.S.A. 2405 or, more simply, 2405). Note that the search software is simply reading the text on each page, and thus doesn't recognize "VSA" without the periods.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
“Serious Bodily Injury” and “Strangulation”
June 15, 2015: Several instructions as well as the definitions page have been updated to reflect that in the assault context, “serious bodily injury” by definition includes strangulation. See 13 V.S.A. § 1021(2). The updated instructions and reporter’s notes can … Continue reading
July 7, 2014: In light of State v. Bolaski, 2014 VT 36, a new instruction has been added for use in homicide cases where there is prima facie evidence of extenuating circumstances. It can be found on the homicide page, along with updated Reporter’s Notes summarizing … Continue reading
June 16, 2014: New instructions for identity theft (13 V.S.A. § 2030(a)) and for obtaining a regulated drug by deceit (18 V.S.A. § 4223(a)(1)) have been added.
May 9, 2013: The revised instructions on kidnapping and unlawful restraint are now available here.
May 9, 2013: Please welcome our new reporter, Ben McIntyre.
April 10, 2013: In response to reader comment, fixed broken link to instruction for cruelty to a child.
March 15, 2013. A busy day for jury instructions at the Vermont Supreme Court. In State v. Casey, 2013 VT 22, the Court provided guidance on how a jury should be instructed in the event that a codefendant pleads guilty in … Continue reading
December 19, 2012: The new instruction on aggravated assault by threatening another with a deadly weapon, 13 V.S.A. § 1024(a)(5), is available here.
November 26, 2012. The revised instruction on unlawful restraint, incorporating language from State v. Carrasquillo, is now available here. Please note that the kidnapping instruction should be updated as well, but this change has not been made yet.