Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Willfully: A Wake North Carolina jury instruction referring to the legal terms of "On or About," "Knowingly," and "Willfully" is often used during criminal trials to guide the jury in understanding the specific elements of a crime and how they are defined under the law. Each term plays a crucial role in determining a defendant's guilt or innocence. 1. "On or About": The term "On or About" is used to establish a flexible timeframe within which an alleged crime may have occurred. It indicates that the specific date or time of the offense does not need to be proved precisely, but rather the evidence must demonstrate that the act took place within a reasonable proximity to the alleged date or time. The prosecution is not required to prove the exact day or hour, but instead must establish that the offense occurred at a time reasonably close to the stated date. 2. "Knowingly": The term "Knowingly" is a crucial element in establishing the mental state of the defendant at the time of the alleged offense. To prove that an individual acted knowingly, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant was aware of the nature and consequences of their actions. It implies that the defendant was not acting out of mistake or accident but rather deliberately or with awareness of their actions. 3. "Willfully": The term "Willfully" is closely related to "Knowingly" but emphasizes a more intentional and purposeful state of mind. It implies that the defendant intentionally committed the act with a conscious disregard for the law or with the intent to violate it. Prosecutors must provide evidence that the defendant acted deliberately or voluntarily, fully aware of their actions and the potential consequences. Different types of Wake North Carolina Jury Instructions may include variations of these terms depending on the specific charges and elements of the crime. Other terms that may be combined with "On or About," "Knowingly," and "Willfully" include terms like "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" or "With Criminal Intent." These additional instructions further shape the jury's understanding of the charges and the level of mental state necessary to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Ultimately, Wake North Carolina Jury Instructions regarding "On or About," "Knowingly," and "Willfully" serve as essential tools for the jury to comprehend the requirements and principles of the law when deliberating a defendant's guilt or innocence.