Maine Jury Instruction — Possession refers to the set of guidelines and instructions given to a jury by a judge during a criminal trial in the state of Maine, specifically related to the offense of possession. These instructions are designed to educate the jury about the legal principles involved in determining guilt or innocence in possession cases. In Maine, there are distinct types of jury instructions related to possession, which may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some relevant keywords for Maine Jury Instruction — Possession include: 1. Actual possession — This refers to an individual physically having control or custody over an item, such as drugs, weapons, or stolen property. 2. Constructive possession — This instruction is necessary when an individual does not physically possess the item, but has the power or intention to exercise control over it. For example, if drugs are found in a shared apartment, constructive possession may be applicable to a roommate who has knowledge and the ability to exercise control over the drugs. 3. Elements of possession — This instruction typically outlines the essential components required for the offense of possession, such as knowing possession (having knowledge of the presence of the item) and intent to possess (the purpose or conscious objective to control the item). 4. Joint possession — This instruction may be relevant when multiple individuals are suspected of possessing the same item. It explains how each co-defendant's actions and level of control over the item should be considered independently. 5. Evidence of possession — This instruction educates the jurors about the types of evidence that may be presented to establish possession, including eyewitness testimonies, surveillance footage, fingerprints, admissions, or statements made by the defendant. 6. Reasonable doubt — Throughout the instructions, the judge will likely remind the jury of the burden of proof resting with the prosecution and emphasize the importance of reasonable doubt. The concept of reasonable doubt suggests that the jurors should only convict if they are convinced of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. These are some different types of Maine Jury Instruction — Possession that may be applicable in criminal cases involving possession offenses. It is important to note that actual jury instructions can vary from case to case and are ultimately determined by the judge presiding over the trial.