The Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — Possession is a legal guideline provided to juries in the United States Virgin Islands regarding the concept of possession in criminal cases. This instruction aims to educate the jury on the various elements and considerations related to possession charges. Possession in criminal law refers to the act of having physical control or dominion over an item, substance, or property that is considered illegal, prohibited, or associated with criminal activities. The Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — Possession breaks down the key aspects that the jury needs to understand when evaluating a possession offense. One type of the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — Possession focuses on "Actual Possession." This instructs the jury that actual possession is established when a person has direct physical control or custody over the prohibited item. In this case, the defendant's physical contact with the item in question is evident. Another type of instruction is "Constructive Possession," where the prosecution argues that the defendant had the intention and ability to control the prohibited item, even if they did not have immediate physical control. This instruction aims to guide the jury in understanding that possession can be established through knowledge, intent, and control, rather than direct physical contact. The Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — Possession also commonly addresses the concept of "Joint Possession." This instruction occurs when multiple individuals share control and custody of the prohibited item. It educates the jury on how joint possession is evaluated in terms of knowledge and control, requiring the prosecution to establish each individual's involvement and intention to exercise control over the items in question. Moreover, the instruction may provide guidelines on the "Circumstantial Evidence" related to possession charges. Circumstantial evidence relies on indirect facts and observations to establish the defendant's possession. This instruction helps the jury understand how they can evaluate the evidence presented and draw reasonable inferences to determine whether the defendant had possession of the prohibited item. The Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — Possession is crucial during criminal trials as it helps ensure a fair and accurate assessment of the defendant's guilt or innocence. By providing clear and concise explanations of possession and its various forms, this instruction enables the jury to make informed decisions based on the evidence presented in court.