Wyoming Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element In the state of Wyoming, the jury instruction "On or about Knowinggl— - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element" is a crucial aspect of the legal framework to ensure fair trials and the accurate determination of guilt or innocence. This instruction is used in cases where the prosecution does not need to prove willfulness or specific intent to secure a conviction, but still requires evidence that the defendant acted knowingly. When this instruction is utilized, the jury must comprehend that the prosecution has the burden of proving that the defendant acted with knowledge of the facts that made their actions illegal. However, the absence of willfulness or specific intent means that the defendant did not have a deliberate or premeditated intention to commit the illegal act in question. There are different scenarios in which the Wyoming jury instruction "On or about — Knowingly — Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element" may be applied. One example is in cases involving strict liability offenses, where the focus is primarily on whether the defendant knowingly engaged in the prohibited conduct rather than their mental state or intention. Another circumstance where this instruction is relevant is when the prosecution seeks to establish that the defendant possessed illegal substances or firearms, but does not need to prove that the defendant intended to use them unlawfully. In such cases, the instruction clarifies that the jury should consider whether the defendant had knowledge of the presence of the substances or firearms. It is essential for the jury to understand that "knowingly" means the defendant was aware of the facts or circumstances that rendered their actions unlawful, regardless of their intent or willfulness. The instruction emphasizes that the jury should focus on whether the defendant had knowledge of the illegal nature of their conduct, rather than determining if they purposely intended to commit the offense. In summary, the Wyoming jury instruction "On or about — Knowingly — Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element" plays a crucial role in cases where the prosecution does not have to prove willfulness or specific intent. It ensures that the jury focuses on the defendant's knowledge of the unlawful elements of their actions, rather than their mental state or intent. By employing this instruction, the legal system aims to deliver fair and unbiased verdicts based on the evidence presented.