The Cook Illinois Jury Instruction for Interference With Commerce By Robbery falls under the Hobbs Act, a federal law that prohibits robbery or extortion that interferes with interstate commerce. This instruction provides guidance to juries in Illinois on how to evaluate cases involving racketeering and robbery offenses that impact commerce. The primary focus of this instruction is to assess cases involving robbery committed for the purpose of obstructing or affecting interstate commerce. It outlines the elements required to prove guilt, such as guilty knowledge, unlawful taking or attempt to take property, and the interference with commerce element necessary to establish a violation of the Hobbs Act. Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Interference With Commerce By Robber— - Hobbs Act — Racketeering - Robbery encompasses various types of robberies that affect commerce. Some common examples include armed robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce, thefts of goods or money from interstate shipments or transportation vehicles, and extortion involving threats to disrupt commerce unless certain demands are met. Other specific types of Cook Illinois Jury Instructions within this category may include: 1. Robbery of a Financial Institution: Focuses on robberies targeting banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions engaged in interstate commerce. This instruction emphasizes the impact on commerce and the potential vulnerability of the financial system. 2. Robbery Involving Interstate Transportation: Addresses robberies that occur during the transportation of goods or funds across state lines. This instruction highlights the potential disruption to commerce and the need to protect interstate shipments. 3. Robbery as a Racketeering Activity: Deals with robberies committed as part of a pattern of racketeering activity, as defined by the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. This instruction emphasizes the connection between robbery and organized criminal enterprises. In summary, Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Interference With Commerce By Robber— - Hobbs Act — Racketeering - Robbery provides detailed guidelines for juries to assess cases involving robberies that impact interstate commerce. It covers various types of robberies, highlighting the crucial element of interference with commerce required under the Hobbs Act.