WI · jury_instructions
Wis JI-Criminal 1705
Sabotage
Statutory Definition of the Crime
Sabotage, as defined in § 946.02(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Wisconsin, is
committed by one who intentionally damages, interferes with, or tampers with any
property with reasonable grounds to believe that his act will hinder, delay, or interfere
with (the prosecution of war or other military action) (the preparation for defense) by the
United States. 1
State's Burden of Proof
Before you may find the defendant guilty of this offense, the State must prove by
evidence which satisfies you beyond a reasonable doubt that the following two elements
were present.
Elements of the Crime That the State Must Prove
1. The defendant intentionally damaged property. 2
"Intentionally" means that the defendant acted with the mental purpose to
damage property or was aware that (his) (her) conduct was practically certain to
cause that result. 3
2. The defendant had reasonable grounds to believe that (his) (her) act would
hinder, delay, or interfere with the preparation for defense by the United States.
"Reasonable grounds to believe" means that a reasonable person in the
defendant's position would have believed that (his) (her) act would hinder, delay
or interfere with the preparation for defense by the United States. 4
Deciding About Intent
You cannot look into a person's mind to find intent. Intent must be found, if found at
all, from the defendant's acts, words, and statements, if any, and from all the facts and
circumstances in this case bearing upon intent.
Jury's Decision
If you are satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that both elements of sabotage have
been proved, you should find the defendant guilty.
If you are not so satisfied, you must find the defendant not guilty.
History
Wis JI-Criminal 1705 (2009). Release No. 47, 5/2009. © 2009, Regents, Univ. of Wis. Prepared by the Wisconsin Criminal Jury Instructions Committee of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference with the University of Wisconsin Law School; posted by the Wisconsin State Law Library with the University's permission.
Provenance
- Source
- wilawlibrary.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-24
- Edition
- 2026-09-24
- Content hash
5986dcd899e958bca49014369660d9328b226a76b34caabe5acf1e3c1740d7d9
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