VT · jury_instructions
Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions CR04-061
PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE
(Def)_______________ is presumed to be innocent of the charge[s]. This is called the “presumption of innocence.” Although accused, (Def)_______________ is innocent at the beginning of the trial. This presumption of innocence stays with [him] [her] throughout the trial and during your deliberations. The presumption is itself a piece of evidence which you should consider in (Def)_______________’s favor in deciding this case. The presumption of innocence means that you must find (Def)_______________ not guilty unless, after careful and impartial consideration of all the evidence, you are satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that [he] [she] is guilty.
History
Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions CR04-061 (01/10/05). Prepared by the Vermont Model Criminal Jury Instructions committee; published on vtjuryinstructions.org, sponsored by the Vermont Bar Association. The committee states that the instructions have not been approved by the Vermont Supreme Court.
Provenance
- Source
- vtjuryinstructions.org
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-25
- Edition
- 2026-09-25
- Content hash
2d618b379d66a6f70b17083adf200cde4fd75deaf450f9f5119a98a1305ae83b
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