Cuyahoga Ohio Jury Instruction — Lesser Included Offense refers to a specific legal procedure followed in the Cuyahoga County court system in Ohio. This instruction guides the jury on how to consider lesser included offenses in a criminal case. In the Cuyahoga County court system, when a defendant is charged with a particular crime, the jury is provided with instructions about the law relevant to the case. The Lesser Included Offense instruction comes into play when the evidence and circumstances allow the possibility that the defendant could be guilty of a lesser offense than the one they are charged with. There are several types of Cuyahoga Ohio Jury Instruction — Lesser Included Offenses that the jury may consider: 1. Included Offense: This instruction refers to a charge that is considered a lesser offense under Ohio law, which is included within the original charge. For example, if a defendant is charged with first-degree murder, the included offense might be second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter. 2. Elements Test: This instruction requires the jury to determine if the elements of the lesser offense are included within the elements of the original offense. If the jury finds that the elements of the lesser offense are included, they must then consider that lesser offense as a possible verdict. 3. Evidence Test: The Evidence Test instruction guides the jury to consider whether the evidence presented during the trial supports a finding of guilt for the lesser offense, even if the defendant may not be guilty of the original charge. If the evidence supports the lesser offense, the jury may reach a verdict accordingly. 4. Acquittal First Instruction: This instruction directs the jury to first consider whether the defendant should be acquitted of the original charge before moving on to consider the lesser included offense. It emphasizes the importance of thoroughly examining the evidence and reaching a decision based on a clear understanding of the law and facts presented. 5. Juror Unanimity Instruction: This instruction informs the jury that they must unanimously agree on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the original charge or any lesser included offense. It emphasizes the importance of reaching a collective decision that is fair and just. 6. Mandatory or Discretionary Lesser Included Offense Instruction: Depending on the specific circumstances and the charges involved, the jury may receive either a mandatory or discretionary lesser included offense instruction. In a mandatory instruction, the jury is required to consider the lesser offense, while in a discretionary instruction, the jury has the option to consider the lesser offense. In conclusion, the Cuyahoga Ohio Jury Instruction — Lesser Included Offense provides guidance to the jury in the Cuyahoga County court system when considering lesser offenses that are included within the original charge. These instructions ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment of the evidence and help the jury reach a just verdict that aligns with the law.