The Vermont Jury Instruction for Counterfeit — Uttering is a comprehensive set of guidelines provided to the jury members during a counterfeit-related criminal trial in Vermont. Uttering refers to the act of knowingly passing or using counterfeit currency, checks, or other monetary instruments as legal tender. The instruction clarifies the elements of the crime and assists the jury in understanding the legal requirements for convicting the defendant. The key elements typically included in this instruction are: 1. Knowledge: The instruction emphasizes that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant had knowledge that the item they were passing was counterfeit. This would involve establishing evidence showing the defendant was aware that the monetary instrument they were using was not genuine. 2. Intent: The jury needs to determine whether the defendant had the specific intent to defraud or deceive others by using the counterfeit instrument as real currency. The instruction outlines that the prosecution must establish that the defendant knowingly intended to pass off the counterfeit as genuine. 3. Possession: The instruction may also provide guidance on the significance of possession. It explains that the defendant's possession of the counterfeit monetary instrument is not sufficient evidence on its own to prove guilt. Instead, the instruction highlights that possession must be coupled with knowledge and intent. 4. Evidence evaluation: The instruction informs the jurors on how to evaluate the evidence presented during the trial. This could include directions on how to assess witness credibility, reliability of physical evidence, and the weight to be given to each piece of evidence presented. Different variations or types of Vermont Jury Instruction Counterfeitei— - Uttering may exist, tailored to specific situations, as follows: 1. Counterfeit Currency Uttering Instruction: This specific instruction focuses on cases involving the passing or uttering of counterfeit money as legal tender. 2. Counterfeit Check Uttering Instruction: This instruction variation is relevant in cases where the defendant knowingly passes counterfeit checks as genuine instruments. 3. Counterfeit Monetary Instruments Uttering Instruction: This instruction type encompasses a broader range of monetary instruments, such as money orders or traveler's checks, being fraudulently used or passed off as authentic. Overall, the Vermont Jury Instruction for Counterfeit — Uttering plays a crucial role in ensuring the jury understands the necessary criteria to determine guilt in counterfeit-related cases. By providing clear guidelines and explanations, these instructions help assess the evidence and make an informed decision based on the established legal standards.