South Dakota Jury Instruction — Theft of Government Money or Property provides essential guidance to jurors during theft cases involving government funds or properties in the state of South Dakota. This instruction outlines the necessary elements, legal definitions, and considerations that jurors must understand in order to reach a fair and just verdict. Theft of government money or property is a serious offense that involves unlawfully taking, converting, or misappropriating funds or assets belonging to the government. Jurors in South Dakota are instructed to carefully evaluate the evidence presented, assess the defendant's intent and actions, and make a determination based on the law and facts presented in court. Key elements addressed in South Dakota Jury Instruction — Theft of Government Money or Property include: 1. Unauthorized Taking: Jurors are informed that the defendant must have intentionally taken the government money or property without proper authorization or legal right. 2. Value Threshold: The instruction may specify a minimum value required for the theft to be considered a felony offense. 3. Government Ownership: Jurors are instructed that the government must have a valid ownership or control over the money or property in question. This can involve federal, state, local, or tribal government entities. 4. Intent: Jurors are advised to carefully evaluate the defendant's mental state during the alleged theft. The instruction may outline the specific intent required for the offense, such as knowingly or willfully taking the government money or property. 5. Defenses: The instruction may outline potential defenses that the defendant may present, such as consent, mistake, or lack of intent to permanently deprive the government. It's important to note that there may be different types or variations of South Dakota Jury Instructions — Theft of Government Money or Property, depending on the specific circumstances and legal nuances of each case. These instructions may be tailored to address different aspects of the offense or to account for specific statutes or case law applicable in South Dakota. In conclusion, South Dakota Jury Instruction — Theft of Government Money or Property provides jurors with the necessary legal framework to consider and decide theft cases involving government funds or properties. It guides jurors through the elements, definitions, and relevant considerations in order to reach a fair and just verdict.