Bronx New York Jury Instruction: Interference With Commerce By Robbery — Hobbs Ac— - Racketeering - Robbery In Bronx, New York, the jury instruction regarding interference with commerce by robbery explores the connection between the Hobbs Act, racketeering, and robbery offenses. The Hobbs Act is a federal law that prohibits interference with interstate commerce through robbery or extortion. Under this act, robbery is considered an act of obstructing or affecting commerce. The jury instruction highlights that interference with commerce by robbery encompasses various types of robberies, including but not limited to: 1. Armed Robbery: This involves the use of a weapon or firearm during the commission of the crime, and it poses a significant threat to the victims. 2. Unarmed Robbery: In this type of robbery, physical force or intimidation is used without the presence of a weapon. It still presents a menace to the victims' safety and liberty. 3. Commercial Robbery: This involves targeting businesses, such as banks, retail stores, or commercial establishments, with the intent to steal their property or assets. 4. Residential Robbery: This refers to robberies that occur within residential properties, such as homes or apartments, with the purpose of unlawfully taking personal belongings or valuables from the occupants. The Hobbs Act's focus on interference with commerce through robbery aims to protect individuals, businesses, and the overall economy from the disruptive effects of such criminal activities. By criminalizing robberies that impact interstate commerce, the law helps maintain a safe and secure environment for businesses to operate and individuals to engage in lawful commercial activities. Racketeering, an additional element mentioned in the jury instruction, pertains to engaging in a pattern of criminal activities, often through an organized criminal enterprise. This can include acts such as robbery, extortion, and other predicate offenses. The jury instruction serves as a detailed guide for jurors, providing them with a clear understanding of the charges related to interference with commerce by robbery, the underlying Hobbs Act, and the implications of racketeering. It ensures that jurors are equipped with the necessary legal knowledge to make informed and unbiased decisions regarding the guilt or innocence of the accused individuals involved in such criminal acts in the Bronx, New York jurisdiction.