North Dakota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element In criminal trials, the North Dakota jury instruction "On or about Knowinggl— - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element" plays a crucial role. It guides the jury to understand the legal standard of knowingly committing an offense and helps them determine whether the defendant satisfies the necessary level of intent. This instruction applies in situations where willfulness or specific intent is not an essential element of the crime being charged. 1. Explanation of "On or about": The "On or about" phrasing in the jury instruction implies that the exact date specified is not crucial to proving the defendant's guilt. If there is sufficient evidence that the offense occurred around the alleged date, the jury can find the defendant guilty based on the broader timeframe. 2. Understanding "Knowingly": When "Knowingly" is presented in the North Dakota jury instruction, it means the defendant was aware or conscious of their actions. The prosecution needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was fully aware that their conduct violated the law or that they were engaging in a prohibited act. 3. The Role of "Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element": This section of the instruction clarifies that the defendant's intent does not need to be willful or specifically directed towards the criminal act in question. It focuses on the absence of a specific intent requirement for the offense being charged. Different Types of North Dakota Jury Instructions Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element: 1. North Dakota Model Criminal Jury Instruction 2210 Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element: This instruction is a general framework for cases where the specific crime involved does not require a higher level of intent. It provides the jury with the necessary guidance on assessing whether the defendant acted knowingly. 2. North Dakota Model Criminal Jury Instruction 2211 Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element (Possession offenses): This instruction specifically addresses possession offenses where the defendant may be charged for knowingly possessing illegal substances or contraband. It emphasizes that knowing possession without the requirement of willfulness or specific intent can lead to conviction. 3. North Dakota Model Criminal Jury Instruction 2212 Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element (Criminal negligence offenses): This instruction addresses cases where the offense involves criminal negligence. It highlights that even though the defendant may not have willfully intended harm, their knowing negligence could still render them liable for the crime committed. These specific variations of the North Dakota jury instruction cater to different types of offenses and help ensure that the jury properly considers the level of intent required when determining the defendant's guilt.