Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count In Wake County, North Carolina, when a case involves multiple defendants facing a single count, the court provides specific jury instructions to ensure fairness and clarity in deliberations. These instructions are designed to caution jurors about the unique considerations involved when multiple individuals are accused of jointly committing a single crime. The purpose of the Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count is to guide the jury in evaluating the evidence and the roles played by each defendant independently. It seeks to prevent juror bias or confusion that may arise due to the presence of multiple defendants involved in a single count. This jury instruction emphasizes the following key points: 1. Individual Assessment: Jurors must consider the evidence against each defendant separately. They should evaluate the guilt or innocence of each defendant based solely on the evidence presented against that individual, rather than making assumptions based on the actions or characteristics of co-defendants. 2. Circumstantial Evidence: The instruction advises jurors to carefully assess circumstantial evidence and not infer guilt based solely on the presence of multiple defendants. Each defendant must be evaluated based on their own actions, intent, and participation in the alleged crime. 3. Reasonable Doubt: Jurors should apply the concept of reasonable doubt individually for each defendant. If they have doubts about the guilt of any defendant, they must be prepared to acquit that person, even if others are found guilty. Reasonable doubt must be assessed on an individual basis to ensure fairness and accuracy in reaching a verdict. Variations of the Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction Cautionio— - Multiple Defendants - Single Count may include: 1. Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — AlternativLiabilityit— - Multiple Defendants — Single Count: This variation addresses the scenario where multiple defendants can be held liable for the same crime, even if their individual actions cannot be specifically identified. It explains the concept of alternative liability and guides the jurors on how to evaluate guilt in such circumstances. 2. Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — Conceractionio— - Multiple Defendants — Single Count: This instruction focuses on cases where multiple defendants are alleged to have acted together in a concerted effort to commit a single crime. It clarifies the legal principles related to concert of action and highlights the importance of evaluating each defendant's participation and intent separately. By providing these specific instructions, Wake County aims to ensure that the jury fully comprehends their role in cases involving multiple defendants facing a single count. These instructions promote fair and unbiased consideration of the evidence, allowing for individual assessments of guilt and ultimate justice in the courtroom.