Minnesota Jury Instruction — Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon is a legal guideline that provides instructions to a jury regarding the offense of possessing a firearm by an individual who has been previously convicted of a felony in the state of Minnesota. This instruction is crucial in ensuring that jurors understand the elements of the crime, the burden of proof required for a conviction, and the legal considerations involved in such cases. Key terms related to Minnesota Jury Instruction — Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon include: 1. Possession: The act of controlling or having control over a firearm, either physically or constructively. 2. Firearm: Refers to any portable weapon that expels a projectile using an explosive force, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, or any other similar devices. 3. Convicted Felon: An individual who has been found guilty of a felony offense in a court of law. 4. Jury Instruction: A set of legal guidelines provided to a jury by the judge, outlining the law that should be applied to the case being tried. 5. Burden of Proof: The responsibility of the prosecution to present sufficient evidence to convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. 6. Elements of the Crime: Specific requirements that must be proven by the prosecution for a conviction to occur, such as the defendant's prior felony conviction and their knowing possession of a firearm. 7. Intent: The mental state of the defendant, establishing that they purposefully possessed the firearm despite being aware of their felony conviction. 8. Constructive Possession: The legal concept that allows for a finding of possession even if the defendant does not have direct physical control over the firearm but has the ability and intent to control it. 9. Enhancement: The potential for increased penalties or sentencing based on specific factors, such as prior convictions, use of a firearm during the commission of another crime, or possession of a stolen firearm. 10. Multiple Types of Minnesota Jury Instructions: There may be different variations or versions of the jury instruction, reflecting updates in the law, case precedents, or specialized considerations for specific circumstances. Overall, Minnesota Jury Instruction — Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon serves as a definitive guide for jurors, ensuring that they understand the legal framework and elements of the offense, allowing for a fair and informed decision-making process during the trial.