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Home > Courts > Trial Court Departments > District

Criminal Model Jury Instructions
Revised January 2013

No.
Instruction
Most Recent
Revision
PDF
WP
0001
Title and Copyright Pages
Jan 2009
0002
Introduction by Chief Justice Lynda M. Connolly
Jan 2009
0003
Table of Contents
Jan 2013
0004
Drafting a Plain Language Jury Instruction
Jan 2009
0005
Chart of Required Jury Instructions
Jan 2009


INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE AND DURING TRIAL

1.100
Impaneling the Jury
Jun 1995
1.120
Preliminary Instruction to Jury Before Trial
Jan 2013
1.130 Discussion Prohibited Jan 2013
1.140
Alternate Preliminary Instruction to Jury Before Trial
1989
1.160
Notetaking by Jurors
1988
1.180
Questions to Witnesses from Jurors
Jan 2009
1.200
Recordation of Proceedings
Jan 2009
1.220
Lengthy Bench or Lobby Conferences
1988
1.240
Separation of the Jury
1988
1.260
Extraneous Publicity
1988
1.280
Before a View
Jun 1995
1.300
Multiple Defendants; Evidence Admitted Against One Defendant Only
1988
1.320
Withdrawn Case Against Codefendant; Withdrawn Charges Against Defendant; Defendant’s Absence Midtrial
Jan 2009

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS
              GENERAL
2.100
Function of the Judge
1988
2.120
Function of the Jury
Jan 2009
2.140
Function of Counsel
1988
2.160
Presumption of Innocence; Burden of Proof; Unanimity
1988
2.180
Reasonable Doubt
Jun 1995
2.200
Reasonable Doubt (Alternate Charge)
Jun 1995
2.220
What Is Evidence; Stipulations; Judicial Notice
1988
2.240
Direct and Circumstantial Evidence
Jun 1995
2.260
Credibility of Witnesses
Jan 2009
2.280
Lesser Included Offenses
1988
2.300
Multiple Charges
1988
2.320
Multiple Incidents or Theories in One Count (Specific Unanimity)
Jan 2013
2.340
Joint Representation
1988
2.360
Reprimand of Counsel
Jun 1995
2.380
Pro Se Defendant; Discharge of Counsel
1988
2.400
Announced Witness Does Not Testify
1988
2.420
Reducing and Sending Out the Jury
Jan 2009
2.440
Before and After Supplemental Instructions
1988
2.460
When Jurors Cannot Agree
1989
2.480
Seating of Alternate Juror
1988
2.500
Taking the Verdict and Discharging the Jury
Jun 1995
2.520
Imposing Sentence
Jan 2009
2.521
[Chart of Potential Money Assessments]
Jan 2009
2.540
Subsequent Offense (G.L. c. 278, § 11A)
May 2011
2.541
[One-Prior-Offense Verdict Slip]
Jan 2009
2.542
[Several-Prior-Offenses Verdict Slip]
Jan 2009
              DEFINITIONS AND PROOF
3.100 Inferences
1988
3.120 Intent
1988
3.140 Knowledge
1988
3.160 License or Authority (G.L. c. 278, § 7)
1988
3.180 Negligence
1988
3.200 Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Jan 2013
3.220 Possession
Jan 2009
3.240 Presumption
1988
3.260 Prima Facie Evidence
1989
3.280 Public Way (G.L. c. 90, § 1)
Jun 1995
              EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE
3.500 Absent Witness
Jan 2009
3.520 Admission by Silence
1988
3.540 Child Witness
Jun 1995
3.560 Confessions and Admissions (Humane Practice)
Jun 2005
3.580 Consciousness of Guilt
1989
3.600 Defendant Does Not Testify
Jan 2013
3.620 Excluded Question; Stricken Evidence
1988
3.640 Expert Witness
Jan 2009
3.660 First Complaint
Oct 2005
3.680 Impeachment by Prior Conviction of a Crime (G.L. c. 233, § 21)
1988
3.700 Impeachment by Prior Inconsistent Statement; Rehabilitation by Prior Consistent Statement
Jan 2013
3.720 Mug Shots
1988
3.740 Omissions in Police Investigations
Jun 2005
3.760 Other Bad Acts by Defendant
1988
3.780 Prior Trial
1988
3.800 Reputation of Defendant
1989
3.820 Unrecorded Custodial Interrogation
Jun 2005
3.840 Consideration of Business Records Jan 2013
              OFFENSES
 
General                                                  
4.100
Accessory Before the Fact (G.L. c. 274, § 2)
1988
4.120
Attempt (G.L. c. 274, § 6)
1988
4.140
Compounding or Concealing a Felony (G.L. c. 268, § 36)
1988
4.160
Conspiracy (G.L. c. 274, § 7)
1989
4.180
Corporate Criminal Responsibility
1988
4.200
Aiding or Abetting
May 2011
 
Motor Vehicle Offenses                                                  
5.100
Attaching Wrong Plates to Conceal Identity (G.L. c. 90, § 23)
1988
5.120
False Statement in License Application (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [2][a])
1988
5.140
Homicide by a Motor Vehicle (Felony) (G.L. c. 90, § 24G [a])
Jan 2009
5.160
Homicide by a Motor Vehicle (Misdemeanor) (G.L. c. 90, § 24G [b])
Jan 2009
5.180
Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [2][a])
Jan 2013
5.190 Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Personal Injury Not Resulting in Death (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [2][a½][1])
Jan 2013
5.200
Operating After Suspension or Revocation of License (G.L. c. 90, § 23)
Jan 2013
5.220
Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (G.L. c. 90, § 34J)
Jan 2009
5.240
Operating Negligently So As to Endanger (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [2][a])
Jan 2009
5.260
Operating Recklessly (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [2][a])
Jan 2009
5.300
Operating with a Blood Alcohol Level of .08% or Greater (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [1])
Jan 2013
5.301
[Verdict Slip]
Jan 2013
5.310 Operating Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [1]) Jan 2013
5.311
[Verdict Slip]
Jan 2013
5.400
Operating Under the Influence of Drugs (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [1])
Jan 2013
5.500
Operating Under the Influence Causing Serious Injury (G.L. c. 90, § 24L)
1988
5.501
[Verdict Slip]
Jan 2013
5.600
Operating Without Being Licensed (G.L. c. 90, § 10)
1988
5.620
Refusal to Obey Police Officer (G.L. c. 90, § 25)
1988
5.640
Road Racing (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [2][a])
1988
5.660
Use of Vehicle Without Authority (G.L. c. 90, § 24 [2][a])
1988
 
Offenses Against the Person                                                  
6.100
Affray (G.L. c. 277, § 39)
1988
6.120
Assault (G.L. c. 265, § 13A[a])
Jul 1997
6.121
[Verdict Slip]
Jan 2013
6.140
Assault and Battery (G.L. c. 265, § 13A [a])
Jul 1997
6.141
[Verdict Slip]
Jan 2013
6.160
Assault and Battery Causing Serious Injury (G.L. c. 265, § 13A [b][i])
Jun 2005
6.180
Assault and Battery on a Person Protected by an Abuse Prevention Order (G.L. c. 265, § 13A [b][iii])
Jun 2005
6.200
Assault and Battery on a Pregnant Woman (G.L. c. 265, § 13A [b][ii])
Jun 2005
6.210 Assault and Battery on a Police Officer or Public Employee (G.L. c. 265, § 13D) May 2011 PDF WP
6.220 Assault and Battery on a Child under 14 Causing Bodily Injury (G.L. c. 265, § 13J [b][par. 1]) May 2011 PDF WP
6.230 Wantonly or Recklessly Permitting Bodily Injury to a Child under 14 (G.L. c. 265, § 13J [b][par. 3][first part]) May 2011 PDF WP
6.240 Wantonly or Recklessly Permitting Another to Commit an Assault and Battery on a Child under 14 Causing Bodily Injury (G.L. c. 265, § 13J [b][par. 3][second part]) May 2011 PDF WP
6.250 Wantonly or Recklessly Permitting Substantial Bodily Injury to a Child under 14 (G.L. c. 265, § 13J [b][par. 4][first part]) May 2011 PDF WP
6.260 Wantonly or Recklessly Permitting Another to Commit an Assault and Battery on a Child under 14 Causing Substantial Bodily Injury (G.L. c. 265, § 13J [b][par. 4][second part]) May 2011 PDF WP
6.300
Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (G.L. c. 265, § 15A[b])
Jul 1997
6.301
[Verdict Slip]
Jan 2013
6.320
ABDW Causing Serious Injury (G.L. c. 265, § 15A [c][i])
Jun 2005
6.340
ABDW on a Child under 14 (G.L. c. 265, § 15A [c][iv])
Jun 2005
6.360
ABDW on a Person Protected by an Abuse Prevention Order (G.L. c. 265, § 15A [c][iii])
Jun 2005
6.380
ABDW on a Pregnant Woman (G.L. c. 265, § 15A [c][ii])
Jun 2005
6.400
Custodial Interference by Relative (G.L. c. 265, § 26A)
1988
6.500
Indecent Assault and Battery (G.L. c. 265, § 13H)
Jan 2009
6.520
Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under Fourteen (G.L. c. 265, § 13B)
Jun 1995
6.540
Reckless Endangerment of a Child under 18 (G.L. c. 265, § 13L)
May 2011
6.560
Enticing a Child under 16 (G.L. c. 265, § 26C)
May 2011
 
Abuse-Related Offenses                                                  
6.600
Annoying and Accosting Persons of the Opposite Sex (G.L. c. 272, § 53)
Jan 2013
6.620
Civil Rights Violations (G.L. c. 265, § 37)
Jun 1995
6.640
Criminal Harassment (G.L. c. 265, § 43A)
Jan 2013
6.660
Harassing or Obscene Telephone Calls (G.L. c. 269, § 14A)
May 2011
6.680
Stalking (G.L. c. 265, § 43)
May 2011
6.700
Threat to Commit Crime (G.L. c. 275, §§ 2-4)
Jan 2013
6.720
Violation of an Abuse Prevention Order (G.L. c. 209A, § 7)
May 2011
6.740
Violation of a Harassment Prevention Order (G.L. c. 258E, § 9)
Jan 2013
 
Public Order Offenses                                                 
7.100
Bail Jumping (G.L. c. 276, § 82A)
1989
7.120
Common Nightwalker (G.L. c. 272, § 53)
1989
7.140
Deriving Support from Earnings of a Prostitute (G.L. c. 272, § 7)
1988
7.160
Disorderly Conduct (G.L. c. 272, § 53)
1989
7.180
Disseminating Obscene Matter; Possession with Intent to Disseminate Obscene Matter (G.L. c. 272, § 29)
1988
7.200
Disturbing the Peace (G.L. c. 272, § 53)
1988
7.220
Escape (G.L. c. 268, § 16)
Jan 2009
7.240
Failing to Register as a Sex Offender (G.L. c. 6, § 178H)
Jan 2009
7.260
False Report of a Crime (G.L. c. 269, § 13A)
Jun 2006
7.280
Fighting Animals (G.L. c. 272, § 94)
Jun 2005
7.300
Giving False Name upon Arrest (G.L. c. 268, § 34A)
Jan 2009
7.320
Illegal Lottery (G.L. c. 271, § 7)
Jan 2009
7.340
Indecent Exposure (G.L. c. 272, § 53)
Jan 2009
7.360
Intimidating a Witness, Juror, Court Official or Law Enforcement Officer (G.L. c. 268, § 13B)
Feb 2008
7.380
Lewd, Wanton and Lascivious Act (G.L. c. 272, § 53)
Jun 1995
7.400
Open and Gross Lewdness and Lascivious Behavior (G.L. c. 272, § 16)
Jan 2009
7.420
Possession of Fireworks (G.L. c. 148, § 39)
Jun 2005
7.440
Registering Bets (G.L. c. 271, § 17)
1988
7.460
Resisting Arrest (G.L. c. 268, § 32B)
Jan 2009
7.480
Sexual Conduct for a Fee (G.L. c. 272, § 53A)
1988
7.500
Unnatural and Lascivious Act (G.L. c. 272, § 35)
1989
7.520
Use of Telephone for Betting (G.L. c. 271, § 17A)
Jun 1995
7.540 Possession of Child Pornography (G.L. c. 272, § 29C)
Jan 2013
 
Firearms and Weapons Offenses                                                
7.600
Carrying a Firearm (G.L. c. 269, § 10 [a])
Jan 2013
7.620
Possession of a Firearm (G.L. c. 269, § 10 [h])
Jun 1995
7.640
Defacing Firearm Serial Number; Receiving a Firearm with a Defaced Serial Number (G.L. c. 269, § 11C)
Jun 2005
7.660
Possession of Firearm with Defaced Serial Number during Felony (G.L. c. 269, § 11B)
Jun 2005
7.680
Carrying Certain Dangerous Weapons (G.L. c. 269, § 10 [b])
1988
7.700
Carrying a Dangerous Weapon When Arrested (G.L. c. 269, § 10 [b])
1988
 
Drug Offenses                                                
7.800
Distribution of a Controlled Substance; Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (G.L. c. 94C, §§ 32-32D)
1988
7.820
Possession of a Controlled Substance (G.L. c. 94C, § 34)
1988
7.840
Sale of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession with Intent to Sell Drug Paraphernalia (G.L. c. 94C, § 32I)
Jan 2009
7.841
[Definition of “Drug Paraphernalia” (G.L. c. 94C, § 1)]
Jan 2009
7.860
School Zone Drug Violation (G.L. c. 94C, § 32J)
Jan 2013
7.870 Park Zone Drug Violation (G.L. c. 94C, § 32J)
Jan 2013
 
Property Offenses                                                
8.100
Breaking and Entering (G.L. c. 266, § 16)
Jan 2009
8.120
Burning Insured Property (G.L. c. 266, § 10)
Jun 1995
8.140
Burning Personal Property, Motor Vehicle, etc. (G.L. c. 266, § 5)
1988
8.160
Forgery (G.L. c. 267, §§ 1-8)
1989
8.180
Possession of Burglarious Tools (G.L. c. 266, § 49)
Jun 2006
8.200
Theft, Purchase, Receipt, Possession or Concealment of Stolen Motor Vehicle; Malicious Damage to Motor Vehicle; Stealing Parts from Motor Vehicle Taken Without Authority; Concealing Motor Vehicle Thief (G.L. c. 266, § 28)
Jun 1995
8.220
Trespass (G.L. c. 266, § 120)
Jun 1995
8.240
Uttering (G.L. c. 267, §§ 5-6)
Jan 2009
8.260
Wanton Destruction of Property (G.L. c. 266, § 127)
Jun 2005
8.280
Wilful and Malicious Destruction of Property (G.L. c. 266, § 127)
Mar 2007
8.300
Wilful or Wanton Destruction of House of Worship, Cemetery or School (G.L. c. 266, § 127A)
Jun 1995
 
Larceny Offenses                                                
8.400
Fraudulent Insurance Claim (G.L. c. 266, § 111A)
Jun 1995
8.420
Identity Fraud by Posing as Another (G.L. c. 266, § 37E [b])
Sep 2006
8.440
Identity Fraud by Obtaining Personal Information (G.L. c. 266, § 37E [c]
Sep 2006
8.460
Larceny by Check (G.L. c. 266, § 37)
1988
8.480
Larceny by Embezzlement (G.L. c. 266, § 30)
Jan 2009
8.500
Larceny by False Pretenses (G.L. c. 266, § 30)
1988
8.520
Larceny by Stealing (G.L. c. 266, § 30)
Jun 1995
8.521
[Verdict Slip]
Jan 2013
8.540
Larceny by Stealing in a Building (G.L. c. 266, § 20)
Jan 2009
8.560
Larceny from the Person (G.L. c. 266, § 25 [b])
1988
8.580
Larceny of Leased or Rented Personal Property (G.L. c. 266, § 87)
Jun 1995
8.600
Receiving Stolen Property (G.L. c. 266, § 60)
Jun 1995
8.620
Shoplifting (G.L. c. 266, § 30A)
Jan 2009
8.640
Unauthorized Transfer of Sound Recordings (G.L. c. 266, § 143A)
Jun 1995
              DEFENSE AND JUSTIFICATION                                            
9.100
Accident
1988
9.120
Alibi
1989
9.140
Entrapment
Jun 1995
9.160
Identification
Mar 2007
9.180
Intoxication with Alcohol or Drugs
Jun 1995
9.200
Lack of Criminal Responsibility
Jan 2009
9.220
Mental Impairment Short of Insanity
1988
9.240
Necessity or Duress
Jul 1997
9.260
Self-Defense; Defense of Another; Defense of Property
Jan 2009
              ALPHABETICAL INDEX Jan 2013
              ALL MODEL JURY INSTRUCTIONS

 



 

 
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