Harris Texas Jury Instruction — Causing Interstate Travel In Execution of a Scheme To Defraud is a crucial legal instruction provided to jurors in the state of Texas that specifically addresses cases involving fraud schemes that utilize interstate travel. This instruction guides jurors in understanding the elements of this offense and the evidence they need to consider when determining guilt or innocence. In cases where individuals are charged with causing interstate travel in execution of a scheme to defraud, the prosecution must establish several key factors. First and foremost, they need to prove that the defendant knowingly and willfully devised or intended to devise a scheme to defraud others. This means that the defendant deliberately created a plan or strategy to deceive and cheat unsuspecting victims out of their property, money, or other valuable assets. Furthermore, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant used, or caused others to use, interstate travel as part of the execution of the fraud scheme. Interstate travel typically involves crossing state lines or using any means of transportation, such as airplanes, trains, or vehicles, that moves between different jurisdictions. This element is crucial in establishing federal jurisdiction and ensuring that the case falls under the purview of federal courts. The instruction provided to jurors may outline various types of schemes that could be considered as causing interstate travel in the execution of a scheme to defraud. These could include but are not limited to: 1. Telemarketing fraud: This type of scheme involves the use of deceptive phone calls to trick individuals into purchasing fraudulent products or services. The calls may originate from one state but target victims in multiple states, thus invoking the interstate travel aspect. 2. Ponzi schemes: These fraudulent investment schemes involve enticing investors with promises of high returns. The scheme operator uses funds obtained from new investors to pay off older investors, creating an illusion of profitability. Ponzi schemes often span multiple states, as funds are solicited from victims located across state lines. 3. Internet-based fraud: With the rise of online commerce, various fraud schemes operate on the internet and target victims from different states. For example, individuals may establish fake websites or online marketplaces to sell nonexistent or counterfeit products to unsuspecting buyers nationwide, causing interstate travel in the process. It is important to note that Harris Texas Jury Instruction — Causing Interstate Travel In Execution of a Scheme To Defraud is just one of many instructions that jurors receive during a trial. Jurors must carefully consider all the evidence and arguments presented to them, ensuring that they understand the relevant laws and apply them to the case at hand.