North Carolina Jury Instruction — Pinkerton Instruction is a legal instruction provided to juries in criminal cases in North Carolina. It derives its name from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case of Pinkerton v. United States (1946), which established the doctrine of "vicarious liability." The Pinkerton Instruction in North Carolina explains the concept of "vicarious liability," which holds a defendant responsible for the criminal acts committed by others if it can be proven that the defendant aided and abetted in the commission of the crime. In other words, if an individual participates in a criminal conspiracy or venture with others, they can potentially be held accountable for any crimes committed by their co-conspirators in furtherance of the agreed-upon criminal objective. This instruction is typically given when a defendant is charged with a criminal offense where there is evidence to support the claim that they were part of a conspiracy or joint venture with others. It is important to note that the defendant's mere association or presence at the scene of the crime is not sufficient to establish guilt under vicarious liability. The prosecution must demonstrate active participation or encouragement by the defendant in the commission of the crime. There might be different variations or types of the Pinkerton Instruction in North Carolina, which can include different language depending on the specific elements of the crime being charged. For example, the instruction for a conspiracy to commit drug trafficking offense may differ from the instruction for a conspiracy to commit robbery. It is crucial for the jury to understand the Pinkerton Instruction as it plays a significant role in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The instruction guides the jury in assessing whether the defendant's actions and intent align with the legal requirements of vicarious liability. In conclusion, the North Carolina Jury Instruction — Pinkerton Instruction is a legal directive given to a jury in criminal cases involving conspiracy or joint ventures. Its purpose is to explain the concept of vicarious liability, holding a defendant accountable for the crimes committed by others in furtherance of a criminal objective. Different variations of this instruction may exist based on the specific elements of the crime being charged.