South Dakota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Willfully South Dakota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Willfully is a legal instruction guide used in the state of South Dakota during jury trials. It provides detailed guidance to jurors regarding the concepts of "on or about," "knowingly," and "willfully" when evaluating a defendant's actions in a criminal case. These instructions help ensure a fair and accurate verdict by clarifying the legal standards that apply to the case. The term "on or about" is an important legal phrase used to establish the timeline or proximity of an alleged offense. It indicates that the prosecution does not need to prove an exact date or time when a crime occurred but rather that the offense took place around a specific period. South Dakota Jury Instruction — On or About informs the jurors that even if the exact date or time is not established beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant can still be found guilty if the evidence strongly suggests the offense occurred within a reasonable timeframe provided in the instruction. The term "knowingly" refers to the mental state of the defendant. South Dakota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly explains that for a defendant to be found guilty of a crime, they must have been aware of the nature of their actions. It implies that the defendant had knowledge of the facts surrounding the offense, even if they claim ignorance or lack of intent. The instruction guides the jurors to consider whether the evidence presented proves that the defendant had the required level of knowledge and understanding. The term "willfully" is another crucial element in criminal cases. South Dakota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Willfully describes willful conduct as a voluntary and intentional act on the part of the defendant, often with a wrongful or unlawful purpose. It instructs the jury to determine whether the defendant's actions were deliberate, purposeful, and knowingly committed in violation of the law. Different types of South Dakota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Willfully may exist depending on the specific criminal charge and elements involved in a case. For example, there could be variations of these instructions for offenses such as assault, fraud, theft, or drug-related crimes. Each instruction presents the relevant legal standards and guidelines for the jurors to consider when assessing the defendant's guilt or innocence. In summary, South Dakota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Willfully provides jurors with clear instructions on the legal concepts of "on or about," "knowingly," and "willfully" in criminal cases. It assists the jury in understanding the necessary mental states and timelines required to reach a fair and just verdict. These instructions play a vital role in promoting the proper administration of justice within South Dakota's legal system.