Kings New York Jury Instruction — Second Degree Murder is a crucial legal concept outlining the instructions given to the jury in second degree murder cases within the Kings County court system in New York. These instructions are based on New York State laws and guidelines and aim to provide a clear understanding of the elements required to prove the crime of second degree murder beyond a reasonable doubt. In cases of second degree murder, the prosecution must establish that the defendant intentionally caused the death of another person. The jury instruction identifies key elements required to prove the crime, including intent, causation, and the absence of any legal justification or excuse. Furthermore, there may be different variations of Kings New York Jury Instruction — Second Degree Murder based on specific circumstances or legal categories. Some potential variations could include: 1. Felony Murder: This type of second degree murder involves cases where the killing occurs during the commission of a felony, even if the defendant did not intend for the death to happen. The jury instruction for felony murder would focus on establishing the connection between the underlying felony and the resulting death. 2. Depraved Indifference Murder: This type of second degree murder entails cases where the defendant's reckless actions exhibit extreme disregard for human life. The jury instruction for depraved indifference murder would highlight the need to prove that the defendant acted with an utter disregard for the value of human life. 3. Extreme Emotional Disturbance (EED) Murder: In certain situations, the defendant may raise the defense of extreme emotional disturbance, claiming that their actions were a result of being in an emotional state that impaired their judgment. The jury instruction for EED murder would outline the requirements to consider this defense and determine if the defendant's emotional disturbance was reasonable under the circumstances. The Kings New York Jury Instruction — Second Degree Murder provides essential guidelines to ensure a fair and consistent approach within the legal system when dealing with second degree murder cases. It serves as a framework that helps the jury comprehend their role in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant while maintaining adherence to legal principles and due process.