This form contains sample jury instructions, to be used across the United States. These questions are to be used only as a model, and should be altered to more perfectly fit your own cause of action needs.
Queens New York Jury Instruction — Interference With Commerce By Extortion — Hobbs Ac— - Racketeering - Color of Official Right: The Queens New York Jury Instruction pertaining to Interference With Commerce By Extortion focuses on cases involving the Hobbs Act, Racketeering, and Color of Official Right. This instruction is crucial to understand the specific elements required to prove a violation of federal law in these types of cases. The Hobbs Act is a federal law enacted to combat extortion, robbery, and interference with interstate commerce. It criminalizes the obstruction, delay, or actual interference with interstate commerce by means of extortion or forceful threats. Extortion, in this context, refers to obtaining property or money from an individual or entity through coercion or fear. Racketeering, another element covered in this jury instruction, refers to an organized criminal activity involving various illegal actions performed for financial gain. Under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, individuals or organizations engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity can be prosecuted. The Queens New York Jury Instruction also addresses the Color of Official Right element. It relates to situations where a public official, acting in an official capacity, demands or receives something of value in exchange for influence, assistance, or favor. The Color of Official Right provision specifically covers the extortionate actions of public officials exercising their power for personal gain or favoritism. Different types of cases that may fall under this instruction include: 1. Extortionate practices targeting businesses engaged in interstate commerce, such as demanding protection money or coercing their operations. 2. Racketeering schemes orchestrated by criminal organizations involving multiple criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and fraud, all aimed at generating financial proceeds. 3. Acts of corruption committed by public officials whereby they exploit their positions to obtain bribes, kickbacks, or other advantages in exchange for favorable treatment or decisions. It is vital for jurors to carefully consider the evidence presented during the trial and evaluate whether the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant has interfered with commerce through extortion, violated the Hobbs Act, engaged in racketeering under the RICO Act, or exercised Color of Official Right for personal gain. By following the Queens New York Jury Instruction, the jury can make a fair and informed decision, ensuring justice is served.
Queens New York Jury Instruction — Interference With Commerce By Extortion — Hobbs Ac— - Racketeering - Color of Official Right: The Queens New York Jury Instruction pertaining to Interference With Commerce By Extortion focuses on cases involving the Hobbs Act, Racketeering, and Color of Official Right. This instruction is crucial to understand the specific elements required to prove a violation of federal law in these types of cases. The Hobbs Act is a federal law enacted to combat extortion, robbery, and interference with interstate commerce. It criminalizes the obstruction, delay, or actual interference with interstate commerce by means of extortion or forceful threats. Extortion, in this context, refers to obtaining property or money from an individual or entity through coercion or fear. Racketeering, another element covered in this jury instruction, refers to an organized criminal activity involving various illegal actions performed for financial gain. Under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, individuals or organizations engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity can be prosecuted. The Queens New York Jury Instruction also addresses the Color of Official Right element. It relates to situations where a public official, acting in an official capacity, demands or receives something of value in exchange for influence, assistance, or favor. The Color of Official Right provision specifically covers the extortionate actions of public officials exercising their power for personal gain or favoritism. Different types of cases that may fall under this instruction include: 1. Extortionate practices targeting businesses engaged in interstate commerce, such as demanding protection money or coercing their operations. 2. Racketeering schemes orchestrated by criminal organizations involving multiple criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and fraud, all aimed at generating financial proceeds. 3. Acts of corruption committed by public officials whereby they exploit their positions to obtain bribes, kickbacks, or other advantages in exchange for favorable treatment or decisions. It is vital for jurors to carefully consider the evidence presented during the trial and evaluate whether the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant has interfered with commerce through extortion, violated the Hobbs Act, engaged in racketeering under the RICO Act, or exercised Color of Official Right for personal gain. By following the Queens New York Jury Instruction, the jury can make a fair and informed decision, ensuring justice is served.