The Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — Conspiracy To Defraud United States is a legal guideline provided to juries in the Virgin Islands when they are tasked with deciding a case involving the charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States. This instruction aims to explain the relevant legal principles and elements of the offense to ensure the jury has a clear understanding of the case. "Conspiracy to defraud" refers to an agreement between two or more individuals to carry out a fraudulent scheme targeting the United States government or impeding its lawful functions. This offense is quite serious and encompasses various illegal activities where the primary goal is to deceive or mislead the government. The Virgin Islands Jury Instruction provides guidance to juries on the elements necessary for a conviction in such cases. It typically addresses key aspects, including the definition of conspiracy, the unlawful objectives involved in defrauding the United States, and the required degree of intent. Some relevant keywords that may be associated with this instruction include: 1. Conspiracy: Involves an agreement between two or more parties to commit an unlawful act. 2. Defraud: Deceiving or cheating someone for personal or financial gain. 3. United States Government: Refers to the collective entities and institutions representing the federal government. 4. Fraudulent Scheme: An unlawful plan or plot with the aim of deceiving or obtaining something of value dishonestly. 5. Impeding Lawful Functions: Actions that obstruct or hinder the regular operations of the United States government. 6. Elements of the offense: The specific components that need to be proven in order to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 7. Degree of intent: The required mental state of the conspirators, often involving knowingly engaging in wrongful acts with intent to deceive. While the specific subcategories within the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — Conspiracy To Defraud United States may differ depending on the case, the core principles and elements listed above remain vital for understanding the charge. It is essential for the jury to carefully evaluate the evidence presented and weigh it against the legal instruction to make a fair and informed decision.