North Dakota Jury Instruction — Making Threats By Mail Or Telephone In North Dakota, making threats by mail or telephone is a serious offense that carries severe consequences. The North Dakota Jury Instruction provides detailed guidance for judges and juries to understand the elements and implications of this offense. It outlines various components such as intent, communication method, and the nature of the threats in order to determine guilt or innocence. There are different types of North Dakota Jury Instructions related to making threats by mail or telephone, including: 1. Intent Requirement: This instruction focuses on the mental state of the accused individual, emphasizing that they must have intended to convey a true threat through their communication. It further explains that intent can be inferred from the context of the threat and the defendant's past actions or statements. 2. Communication Method: This instruction addresses the means used to convey the threat, specifically through mail or telephone. It clarifies that the threats can be made in any form, including written letters, emails, text messages, or phone calls. 3. Nature of Threats: This instruction covers the content and severity of threats. It highlights that the threats must be credible and capable of causing substantial harm, leading the recipient to reasonably fear for their safety or that of others. The instruction distinguishes between idle expressions and genuine threats that pose real danger. 4. Proof of Threats: This instruction explains the burden of proof that the prosecution must meet. It states that the evidence must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused individual made explicit threats with the intent to intimidate or cause harm. North Dakota Jury Instructions provide a comprehensive framework for jurors to evaluate each element of the offense and determine whether the accused should be found guilty or innocent. These instructions ensure a fair and impartial trial, protecting the rights of both the accused and the victims while maintaining the integrity of the legal system.