Travis Texas Jury Instruction — Conspiracy To Defraud United States is a legal guideline provided to jurors during a trial involving a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States in the Travis County of Texas. This instruction aims to educate jurors on the specific legal elements, definitions, and obligations relevant to the crime of conspiracy to defraud the United States. The Travis Texas Jury Instruction — Conspiracy To Defraud United States encompasses several types, including: 1. The "Conspiracy" Element: This instruction emphasizes the necessity to prove that two or more individuals entered into an agreement or plan to knowingly defraud the United States government. Jurors must understand that for a conspiracy charge to be established, it's not essential to prove that the actual fraudulent activity took place, but rather that a mutual understanding engaging in deceitful actions existed. 2. "Defraud the United States" Element: Under this instruction, jurors are informed that defrauding the United States involves intentionally obstructing governmental functions, impairing agency operations, or obtaining government property or services dishonestly. It is crucial for the jury to comprehend the wide range of activities constituting fraud against the United States, as it spans beyond monetary factors and may encompass deceiving agencies, impeding justice, or undermining national security. 3. "Knowledge and Intent" Element: This component of the instruction clarifies that to substantiate a charge of conspiracy to defraud, the prosecution must demonstrate that the accused individuals had knowledge of the fraudulent scheme and intentionally participated with the aim to deceive or mislead the United States government. Jurors play a significant role in assessing the evidence to determine whether these crucial elements have been adequately proven. 4. "Overt Act" Element: In specific instances, jurors might encounter an additional instruction specifying that for a conspiracy charge, the prosecution must establish that at least one overt act was carried out in furtherance of the conspiracy. This act serves as evidence of the participants' commitment to the fraudulent scheme. Jurors must evaluate the evidence presented regarding any alleged overt acts and its connection to the conspiracy charge. Travis Texas Jury Instruction — Conspiracy To Defraud United States aims to provide jurors with a comprehensive understanding of the legal elements and concepts surrounding conspiracy to defraud the United States. By thoroughly explaining the "conspiracy," "defraud the United States," "knowledge and intent," and potentially "overt act" elements, it equips jurors with the knowledge necessary to assess evidence, deliberate, and reach an informed verdict in a trial involving this charge.