Washington Jury Instruction — Theft From Interstate Shipment is a legal guideline provided to juries during a trial that involves theft from shipments that have traveled across state lines. These instructions serve to assist the jury in understanding the elements of the crime, the applicable laws, and the burden of proof required for conviction. Theft From Interstate Shipment refers to the act of unlawfully taking or appropriating property that is being transported across state lines. It is considered a federal offense under the United States Code, Title 18, Section 659. The goods in question could range from valuable items, merchandise, or any other form of property being transported as part of interstate commerce. The Washington Jury Instruction — Theft From Interstate Shipment outlines the necessary elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in a conviction. These elements generally include: 1. The defendant's act of taking or exercising control over property, 2. The property was in the process of being transported across state lines, 3. The defendant acted knowingly and intentionally, 4. The property had a value exceeding a certain threshold, 5. The defendant did not have legal authority to possess or take the property, and 6. The defendant's actions were willful or without lawful justification. Additionally, there may be different types of Washington Jury Instructions related to Theft From Interstate Shipment, which address specific aspects or circumstances of the crime. Some of these instructions may include: 1. Washington Jury Instruction — Theft From Interstate Shipmen— - Value Definition: Provides guidance on how to determine the value of the stolen property, particularly in cases where it may be challenging to establish an accurate value. 2. Washington Jury Instruction — Theft From Interstate Shipmen— - Interstate Commerce: Offers clarification on what constitutes interstate commerce and the necessary nexus required to establish federal jurisdiction, as the crime involves the movement of goods across state lines. 3. Washington Jury Instruction — Theft From Interstate Shipmen— - Knowledge Requirement: Explains the burden of proof regarding the defendant's knowledge of the property's interstate nature or transportation. 4. Washington Jury Instruction — Theft From Interstate Shipmen— - Affirmative Defense: Outlines any applicable affirmative defenses available to the defendant, such as legal authorization, consent, or lack of intent. These instructions help ensure that the jury understands the specific elements of the crime and the legal standards that must be met for a conviction. By providing clear guidance on the various aspects of Theft From Interstate Shipment, the instructions help facilitate a fair and just trial process.