Statement of the Justices
We recommend that the judge use the language of these Instructions, unless a different instruction would more accurately reflect new developments in the law or would better describe the law in light of the particular facts in a case. We further recommend that the judge provide jurors with a written copy of the judge's final instructions if available, or with an audio recording, or both.
A chalk entitled Requirements of Proof for Homicide is included as an appendix to the Instructions. The chalk summarizes the requirements of proof in cases of murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter. The judge may wish to provide the chalk to jurors to use as an outline to the judge's final instructions.
The Instructions are not intended to be a comprehensive statement of the law of homicide. We recognize that these Instructions are unlikely to be the final word and will continue to evolve with new developments in homicide jurisprudence and the experience of judges giving the Instructions.
We thank the Standing Committee on the Model Jury Instructions on Homicide for making recommendations that resulted in the 2026 instructions. We also thank those who provided comments regarding the proposed revisions. We ask the Standing Committee to continue to review changes in the law, to monitor the efficacy of the Instructions in providing guidance to jurors, and to recommend further revisions as needed or warranted.
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Maura A. Looney, Esq., Clerk
Allison S. Cartwright, Esq., Clerk
Jennifer Donahue, Public Information Officer
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| Date published: | March 30, 2026 |
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