Maryland Jury Instruction — Conspiracy to Defraud United States is a legal guideline provided to juries in the state of Maryland when trying individuals for the offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States. This instruction helps juries understand the elements of the offense, the burden of proof, and the applicable law. Conspiracy to defraud the United States refers to an agreement between two or more individuals to commit fraud against the government or to obstruct its lawful functions. It is important to note that this offense does not require the actual commission of the fraud itself, but merely the intent to defraud the United States. The Maryland Jury Instruction — Conspiracy to Defraud United States typically includes the following elements and instructions: 1. Agreement: The prosecution must prove that there was an agreement between two or more individuals to commit a fraud against the United States. 2. Intent: The prosecution must establish that the accused individuals had an intent to defraud the United States or to obstruct its lawful functions. 3. Overt Act: The prosecution must demonstrate that at least one of the co-conspirators committed an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy. 4. Knowledge: The prosecution should show that the accused individuals were aware of the conspiracy and voluntarily participated in it. 5. Scope: The jury may need to consider the scope of the conspiracy, including its duration, the objectives, and the involvement of other individuals. It is also important to mention that there may be different types or variants of Maryland Jury Instruction — Conspiracy to Defraud United States, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some possible variations may relate to the specific government agency or program targeted for fraud, such as tax evasion, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, procurement fraud, or securities fraud involving government agencies. In conclusion, the Maryland Jury Instruction — Conspiracy to Defraud United States is a set of guidelines provided to juries to help them understand the elements and requirements for convicting individuals involved in conspiracies to defraud the United States government. By following these instructions, juries can make informed decisions based on the facts presented during the trial, ensuring a fair and just outcome.