Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element In legal proceedings, the Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction regarding "On or About," "Knowingly," is a crucial directive aimed at assisting jurors in understanding the requirements for certain offenses where willfulness or specific intent is not an essential element. This instruction clarifies that the defendant's act must have occurred in proximity to the alleged offense and that they must have been aware of their actions. Types of Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element: 1. On or About: This instructs the jurors to consider the proximity of the defendant's actions concerning the alleged offense. It provides guidance that the timing and location of the act should reasonably coincide with the time and place of the event in question. By considering the element of proximity, jurors can determine whether the defendant's actions were associated with the offense in time and place. 2. Knowingly: This instruction informs jurors that the defendant must have acted with knowledge or awareness of their actions. It emphasizes that for the defendant to be considered guilty, they must have had full comprehension of the nature and circumstances of their conduct. Jurors are guided to assess whether the defendant deliberately engaged in the activity and had the required mental state. 3. Willfulness or Specific Intent Not Required: This component of the instruction is crucial as it clarifies that certain offenses do not necessitate willfulness or specific intent from the defendant. Jurors are instructed to focus on whether the act, as stated in the law, has been committed knowingly and within the relevant time and place, rather than examining the defendant's intentions or purpose. The Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element plays a significant role in ensuring that jurors correctly evaluate and understand the criteria for certain offenses. By outlining the need for proximity, knowledge, and absence of willfulness or specific intent, it assists in establishing the defendant's culpability based on their actions and awareness of the circumstances.