US-CA3 · jury_instructions
3d Cir. Model Jury Instr. (Criminal) 2.35
Discharge of Defense Counsel During Trial
Even though (name of defendant) was represented by a lawyer when this
trial began, (he)(she) has decided to continue the trial representing
(himself)(herself) and not to use the services of a lawyer. (He)(She) has a
constitutional right to do that. (His)(Her) decision has no bearing on whether
(he)(she) is guilty or not guilty, and it must not affect your consideration of
the case.
Because (name of defendant) has decided to act as (his)(her) own lawyer,
you will hear (him)(her) speak at various times during the trial. (He)(She) may
make (a)(an) (opening statement and) closing argument. (He)(She) may ask
questions of witnesses, make objections, and argue to the court. I want to
remind you that when (name of defendant) speaks in these parts of the trial
(he)(she) is acting as a lawyer in the case, and (his)(her) words are not
evidence. The only evidence in the case is the testimony of witnesses under
oath and exhibits admitted into evidence.
Provenance
- Source
- ca3.uscourts.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-08-19
- Edition
- 2026-08-19
- Content hash
80154a63bd8778c1c0f5d871854968c518ee468e9820d7cf06236edcec70a1e8
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