California Jury Instruction — Presenting False Declaration or Certification is a legal instruction provided to the jury in criminal cases where the defendant is charged with the offense of knowingly presenting a false declaration or certification. This instruction is crucial in guiding the jury to understand the elements of the offense and to decide whether the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In California, presenting a false declaration or certification is a serious offense that involves knowingly making false statements or providing fraudulent documents in a legal or official proceeding. The purpose behind this offense is to protect the integrity of the legal system and ensure that individuals cannot deceive authorities by providing false information under oath or using fraudulent documents. The jury instruction emphasizes that the prosecution must prove certain elements to establish the defendant's guilt. These elements may include: 1. Knowingly Presenting False Information: The prosecutor needs to prove that the defendant knowingly presented false information in the form of a declaration or certification. This means that the defendant was aware that the information was false and intentionally presented it. 2. Materiality: The false information presented by the defendant must be material to the legal proceeding. In other words, it must have the potential to affect the outcome of the case or mislead the court or the jury. The instruction also informs the jury about the types of false declarations or certifications that can lead to charges. While the specific types may vary based on the particular facts of the case, some common examples include: 1. False Affidavits: Affidavits are written statements made under oath or affirmation. If someone knowingly presents a false affidavit in court or any other official proceeding, they may be charged with this offense. 2. Fraudulent Certifications: Certain legal proceedings require individuals to provide certifications, such as notarized documents or sworn statements. If someone intentionally provides fraudulent certifications containing false information, they can be charged under this offense. 3. Misleading Statements: Defendants can also be charged if they knowingly make false or misleading statements during a legal proceeding, such as providing false information to law enforcement officials or giving false testimony while under oath. It is important to note that the jury instruction guides the jury's understanding of the law and does not determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The jury must carefully consider the evidence presented during the trial, evaluate the credibility of witnesses, and determine whether the prosecution has proved the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. In conclusion, California Jury Instruction — Presenting False Declaration or Certification is a crucial instruction provided to the jury in criminal cases involving the offense of knowingly presenting false information or using fraudulent documents in legal proceedings. This instruction helps the jury understand the elements of the offense and guides them in deciding the defendant's guilt based on the evidence presented during the trial.