Contra Costa California Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Punishment - Single Defendant — Single Count is an essential legal guideline provided to jurors during criminal trials in Contra Costa County, California. This instruction aims to inform the jury about the caution they should exercise while considering the punishment for a single defendant facing a single criminal charge. The primary purpose of this instruction is to remind the jury that their role is solely to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant and not to decide the appropriate punishment. It highlights the importance of separating the issues of guilt and punishment during deliberations, emphasizing that their verdict should be based solely on the evidence presented and the requirements of the law. Furthermore, this jury instruction emphasizes that the jury should not let the potential punishment or personal feelings about punishment influence their decision regarding the defendant's guilt or innocence. It encourages jurors to remain impartial and objective throughout the trial, focusing on the evidence, testimonies, and legal instructions provided by the court. The instruction also mentions the legal principle that the responsibility for determining an appropriate punishment lies with the judge, who considers various factors such as the severity of the offense, criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. It reminds the jurors that their duty is to review the evidence to establish guilt, leaving the judge to determine the appropriate punishment if the defendant is found guilty. It is important to note that there might be variations of this jury instruction specific to different types of crimes or charges. For instance, there could be a similar instruction for multiple defendants or multiple counts. However, the core objective remains the same — cautioning the jury to separate their considerations of guilt and punishment and to rely solely on the provided evidence and legal instructions when deciding a defendant's guilt. In conclusion, the Contra Costa California Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Punishment - Single Defendant — Single Count instructs jurors to exercise caution and remain impartial when considering the question of punishment regarding a single defendant facing a single criminal charge. By following this instruction, the jurors can ensure a fair and just trial outcome based on the evidence presented and the requirements of the law.