Maine Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count is a set of legal guidelines provided to the jury by the judge during a trial that involves multiple defendants who are jointly charged with a single count. These instructions serve to ensure that the jurors thoroughly understand their duty and bring about a fair and impartial verdict. In cases where multiple defendants are charged with a single count, it is crucial for the jury to carefully consider the evidence presented against each defendant individually. The jury must evaluate each defendant's conduct separately, analyzing whether that particular defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. These instructions emphasize that guilt or innocence must be determined on an individual basis, and it is essential not to assume collective guilt. The purpose of the Maine Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count is to prevent undue influence and bias during jury deliberations. When multiple defendants are involved, it is possible for jurors to inadvertently aggregate all the evidence against them, leading to unfair bias and potentially incorrect judgments. These instructions remind the jury of their duty to consider the evidence against each defendant individually and not allow the actions or statements of one defendant to unfairly impact their assessment of another. Different types of Maine Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count may include: 1. Standard Instruction: This is the primary set of instructions provided as guidance to the jury. It outlines the importance of individually assessing each defendant's guilt, avoiding collective blame, and making an unbiased decision based solely on the evidence presented against each defendant. 2. Modified Instruction: In certain cases, based on specific circumstances or requests from either the prosecution or defense, the judge may modify the standard instructions to tailor them to the unique aspects of the case. These modifications aim to address any relevant issues related to the involvement of multiple defendants in a single count charge. Overall, the Maine Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count plays a vital role in ensuring a fair and impartial trial. By providing clear guidelines regarding the consideration of evidence against each defendant individually, these instructions help steer the jurors towards making just and accurate determinations of guilt or innocence.