Kings New York Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element: In Kings County, New York, the jury instruction of "On or about Knowinggl— - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element" is designed to provide guidance and clarification to jurors in cases where the defendant is charged with a crime, and it must be proven that they acted knowingly, but willfulness or specific intent is not an essential element of the offense. This instruction is used to ensure a fair and accurate determination of guilt or innocence based on the specific circumstances of the case. When this jury instruction is given, it means that the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant, at the time of committing the alleged offense, had knowledge of their actions and the result that would likely occur. However, unlike offenses that require proof of willfulness or specific intent, the prosecution does not need to show that the defendant acted with a deliberate purpose or with a specific goal in mind. This instruction is particularly relevant in cases where the crime committed may not necessarily involve a deliberate intention or purposeful act. Offenses such as certain drug possession or distribution charges, certain types of fraud, or even reckless endangerment may fall under the purview of this instruction. In these cases, the prosecution needs to establish that the defendant had knowledge of their actions, but they do not need to demonstrate that the defendant acted intentionally or with specific intent. It is important to note that while "On or about Knowinggl— - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element" is a broad jury instruction, there may be variations or specific types within this category. For example, the instruction may vary depending on the nature of the offense or the specific elements required for conviction. However, these variations are delineated on a case-by-case basis and may involve more specific language to accurately reflect the particular elements of the offense. In summary, the Kings New York Jury Instruction Aboutou— - Knowingly - Only When Willfulness or Specific Intent is Not an Element is a crucial legal instruction used in cases where the defendant's knowledge of their actions is key to determining guilt, but willfulness or specific intent is not an essential component of the offense. By providing this instruction, the court ensures that jurors have a clear understanding of the law and can make informed decisions based on the evidence presented.