Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 2.2.4.1 Pretrial Detainee Alleging Excessive Force: This Rhode Island Jury Instruction, specifically focusing on pretrial detainees alleging excessive force, aims to provide guidance to juries in cases where a detainee claims that they were subjected to excessive force by law enforcement officials before their trial. In these types of cases, it is important for the jury to carefully consider the evidence presented and evaluate whether the force used by the law enforcement officer(s) was reasonable or excessive under the circumstances. The instruction helps the jury understand the standard to be applied and the factors to consider when determining liability or innocence. Key topics covered in this instruction include: 1. Introduction to Excessive Force Allegations: This instruction begins with a brief introduction explaining the significance and sensitivity of excessive force allegations brought by pretrial detainees. It establishes the importance of impartially examining the evidence to make a fair determination. 2. Reasonableness Standard: The instruction provides an overview of the reasonableness standard, which is central to evaluating excessive force claims. It lays out that excessive force occurs when the actions of the law enforcement officer(s) go beyond what a reasonable officer would do in a similar situation. 3. Objective Factors to Consider: This section outlines the objective factors the jury should take into account when assessing whether the use of force was reasonable. These factors include the severity of the crime alleged, the immediate threat posed by the detainee, the efforts made to de-escalate the situation, and the availability of alternative methods to control the detainee. 4. Subjective Factors to Consider: The instruction also addresses the importance of considering subjective factors, such as the officer's state of mind, in determining whether the force used was excessive or not. It emphasizes that an officer's fear, perception, and knowledge at the time of the incident should be taken into consideration. 5. Jury Deliberation: Lastly, the instruction guides the jury on how to deliberate and reach a verdict based on the evidence presented. It encourages careful consideration of all the facts and evidence before making a final determination. Different types of Rhode Island Jury Instructions regarding pretrial detainees alleging excessive force may exist, but further research on the specific variations or adaptations of this instruction is needed to provide more detailed and accurate information.