Rhode Island Jury Instruction — Pinkerton Instruction is a crucial aspect of the legal system in the state of Rhode Island. Pinkerton Instruction refers to a set of guidelines given to jurors during criminal proceedings when considering co-conspirator liability. This instruction is named after the famous Supreme Court case Pinkerton v. United States. The Pinkerton Instruction informs the jurors that under certain circumstances, a member of a criminal conspiracy can be held liable for the substantive crimes committed by his or her co-conspirators. It establishes that individuals who are part of a conspiracy can be found guilty of crimes committed by other members of the conspiracy, even if they did not personally participate in the actual commission of those crimes. Rhode Island recognizes two main types of Pinkerton Instructions: 1. General Pinkerton Instruction: This type of instruction outlines the liability of a co-conspirator for crimes committed in furtherance of the conspiracy by other members. It provides jurors with guidance on how they should consider the actions of a defendant in relation to the overall conspiracy and the criminal acts committed by others involved. 2. Limited Pinkerton Instruction: In certain cases, when there is insufficient evidence to prove that the defendant actively participated in the substantive crime but was still involved in the conspiracy, a limited Pinkerton Instruction can be given to the jury. It explains that the defendant can be held liable for the specific substantive crimes committed by others if it was an "object of the conspiracy" and reasonably foreseeable. The Rhode Island Jury Instruction — Pinkerton Instruction is essential to ensure that all involved in a criminal conspiracy are held accountable for their actions and the crimes committed by their co-conspirators. It allows the jury to consider the overall involvement and intentions of the defendant within the framework of the conspiracy, enhancing the fairness and integrity of the legal process.