Virginia Jury Instruction — On or about – Knowingly – Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element is a crucial legal concept in the state of Virginia. This jury instruction is used in criminal cases, particularly when proving intent or willfulness is not a requirement. In criminal law, the concept of "on or about" refers to a timeframe surrounding an alleged crime, rather than specifying an exact date or time. It is an important factor for prosecutors to establish that the offense occurred within a reasonable timeframe. The jury instruction "on or about" helps guide the jury's decision-making process by instructing them to consider acts that occurred around the alleged date of the offense. The term "knowingly" is another essential legal concept. It indicates that the defendant was aware of their actions and their consequences of the time of the offense. If a specific intent or willfulness to commit the accused act is not an element of the crime, the prosecution must prove that the defendant acted knowingly. One example of the Virginia Jury Instruction — On or about – Knowingly – Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element is: Instruction 7,000 "On or About" and "Knowingly" — Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element The jury should carefully consider whether the evidence establishes that the offense occurred on or about a specific date or within a specific timeframe as alleged by the prosecution. The prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant acted knowingly, showing awareness and understanding of their actions at the time of the offense. This instruction is only pertinent when the offense being charged does not require proof of willfulness or specific intent. It is important to note that different types of crimes may have varying requirements regarding willfulness or specific intent. In such cases, other relevant jury instructions would be provided to guide the jury's decision-making process. Overall, the Virginia Jury Instruction — On or about – Knowingly – Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element is a fundamental legal concept that assists the jury in assessing the evidence related to the timeframe of an offense and the defendant's state of mind. It ensures that the jury makes an informed and fair decision based on the specific elements of the crime as outlined in Virginia law.