North Carolina Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count is a crucial legal instruction given by the judge to the jury in a criminal trial involving multiple defendants charged with a single offense. It is essential for ensuring a fair and unbiased trial while considering the collective responsibility of the defendants. In such cases, the judge may provide various types of North Carolina Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count, depending on the circumstances and nature of the case. Some of these instructions may include: 1. Identification of Defendants: This instruction highlights the importance of correctly identifying each defendant and differentiating their individual involvement in the alleged offense. It emphasizes the need to evaluate each defendant's actions separately to determine their guilt or innocence. 2. Independent Evaluation of Evidence: This instruction instructs jurors to independently evaluate the evidence presented against each defendant. It encourages the jury to consider the evidence against each defendant individually and avoid presuming guilt or innocence based on the actions or statements of the co-defendants. 3. Individual Culpability: This instruction reminds the jurors that each defendant should be held accountable for their own actions and participation in the offense. It cautions against attributing guilt to a defendant solely based on their association with other defendants or the actions of the others. 4. Collaboration or Agreement between Defendants: If evidence suggests that the defendants collaborated or reached an agreement to commit the alleged offense, this instruction guides the jury in assessing the degree of involvement of each defendant. It advises the jury to consider the evidence against each defendant separately, ensuring that any determination is based on individual culpability. 5. Limited Use of Statements: In cases where the jury hears statements made by a co-defendant that may implicate another defendant in the crime, this instruction informs the jury about the limited admissibility of such statements. It clarifies that those statements can only be considered as evidence against the co-defendant who made them and not against other defendants. These North Carolina Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count guides aim to prevent unfair prejudice and ensure that each defendant is evaluated on their merits alone. They play a crucial role in guaranteeing that a just verdict is reached, considering the individual actions and participation of each defendant while upholding their right to a fair trial.