Connecticut Jury Instruction — Pinkerton Instruction refers to a specific legal instruction provided to a jury during a criminal trial in the state of Connecticut. The Pinkerton Instruction is derived from the Pinkerton v. United States case, which established a principle of law regarding the liability of co-conspirators in certain criminal offenses. The Pinkerton Instruction is typically invoked in situations where a defendant is charged with a crime that occurred as a result of a conspiracy or joint criminal activity. It allows the jury to hold each member of the conspiracy responsible for the actions of their co-conspirators, even if they did not directly participate in the commission of the offense. This instruction is based on the theory that co-conspirators are mutually responsible for the foreseeable acts of their fellow conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy, including any additional crimes committed within the scope of the conspiracy. It allows for the attribution of criminal conduct and liability to all conspirators involved, regardless of their individual level of involvement or knowledge about specific criminal acts. In Connecticut, there are various types of Pinkerton Instructions that may be given to a jury, depending on the specific elements of the case. These instructions include: 1. Basic Pinkerton Instruction: This instruction informs the jury about the principle of co-conspirator liability and the responsibility of each member of the conspiracy for the acts committed by others during the course of the conspiracy. 2. Pinkerton Instruction for Specific Crimes: As different criminal charges may require specific elements to be proven, there are variations of the Pinkerton Instruction tailored to specific offenses such as drug trafficking, burglary, robbery, or other crimes commonly associated with conspiratorial activities. 3. Limiting Pinkerton Instruction: In certain cases, a limiting Pinkerton Instruction may be given by the court to instruct the jury on the extent of liability that can be attributed to a defendant as a co-conspirator. This instruction may aim to prevent unfair prejudice or excessive liability on the part of a defendant. Overall, the Pinkerton Instruction plays a crucial role in holding co-conspirators accountable for their participation in criminal activities. It ensures that the jury considers the collective actions of all conspirators when determining guilt or innocence, promoting fairness and justice in Connecticut's criminal justice system.