Harris Texas Jury Instruction — Good Faith Reliance Upon Advice of Counsel is a legal guideline provided to jurors during a trial in Harris County, Texas. It specifically pertains to situations where a defendant seeks to establish a defense based on their good faith reliance upon the advice of their legal counsel. This jury instruction is crucial in cases where the accused argues that they reasonably relied upon the advice and guidance provided by their attorney, making their actions justifiable or excusable in the eyes of the law. By employing this defense, defendants aim to demonstrate that they acted in good faith and were unaware of any illegal or wrongful activities they might have been involved in. The Good Faith Reliance Upon Advice of Counsel instruction informs jurors that they should consider whether the defendant genuinely believed the advice and guidance provided by their legal counsel to be accurate and lawful. It sheds light on the importance of the attorney-client relationship and the need for individuals to have confidence in their legal representation. It is worth noting that there may be different types of Harris Texas Jury Instructions related to Good Faith Reliance Upon Advice of Counsel, which vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some potential variations of this instruction may include: 1. Harris Texas Jury Instruction — Good Faith Reliance Upon Legal Counsel's Opinion: This instruction highlights cases where defendants have relied upon a specific legal opinion or advice provided by their attorney. It emphasizes the notion that if the defendant genuinely believed their actions to be legal based on their counsel's explicit advice, their reliance on that advice may be a valid defense. 2. Harris Texas Jury Instruction — Good Faith Reliance Upon General Counsel's Guidance: In instances where defendants claim to have followed general legal guidance given by their attorney, without relying on any specific opinion, this instruction comes into play. It emphasizes the broader concept of relying on an attorney's professional expertise and direction in making decisions. These variations in the instruction take into account different scenarios where defendants may assert the defense of good faith reliance upon advice of counsel. The specific type of instruction used is determined by the facts and evidence presented in each case. In conclusion, the Harris Texas Jury Instruction — Good Faith Reliance Upon Advice of Counsel is a vital component of the Texas legal system, allowing defendants to rely on the advice and guidance of their legal counsel as a defense against criminal charges. Understanding and applying this instruction appropriately is essential for jurors when assessing the defendant's intent and their justifiable actions based on their attorney's advice.