Suffolk New York Jury Instruction — First DegreMurderde— - Felony Murder In Suffolk County, New York, the jury instructions for First Degree Murder include a specific instruction for Felony Murder. Felony Murder is a serious offense that is treated with the utmost gravity by the criminal justice system. Felony Murder is a legal doctrine that holds an individual responsible for the death of another person during the commission of a dangerous or inherently violent felony. It is not necessary for the defendant to have the intent to kill, but rather, they can be held liable for any death that occurs as a result of the felony they are committing. The specific jury instructions for Felony Murder in Suffolk County, New York, outline the elements that need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a conviction. These elements typically include: 1. The defendant committed or attempted to commit a felony. 2. The defendant's actions during the commission or attempted commission of the felony caused the death of another person. 3. The death occurred during the commission or attempted commission of the felony. It is important to note that the underlying felony must be inherently dangerous or one that is likely to result in death or serious bodily harm for the charge of Felony Murder to apply. Examples of felonies that often fall under Felony Murder include robbery, burglary, arson, rape, and kidnapping. Different types or variations of Felony Murder jury instructions may exist in Suffolk County, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some notable variations may include: 1. Co-Felony Murder: This occurs when multiple individuals are engaged in the commission of a felony, and one person is killed. Under this variation, each participant can be held liable for the death, regardless of their individual actions. 2. Accomplice Liability: In some cases, a person who aids, abets, or encourages the commission of a felony can also be held responsible for any deaths that occur during the felony. This instruction extends liability beyond the actual perpetrators of the crime. The Suffolk County jury instructions for First Degree Murder — Felony Murder aim to ensure that jurors fully understand the elements and legal principles involved in holding individuals accountable for the death of another during the commission of a dangerous felony. These instructions play a crucial role in guiding the jury throughout the trial and deliberation process, ultimately helping them reach a fair and just verdict.