New Hampshire Bar Association
About the Bar
For Members
For the Public
Legal Links
Publications
Newsroom
Online Store
Vendor Directory
NH Bar Foundation
Judicial Branch
NHMCLE

SAVE THE DATE: The 2010 Quid Pro Bono Golf Tournament is August 12

Order with big business buying power.
New Hampshire Bar Association
Lawyer Referral Service Law Related Education NHBA CLE NHBA Insurance Agency

Member Login
username and password

Criminal Jury Instructions

The Drafting Committee of the Bar's Task Force on Criminal Jury Instructions has released over 260 pages of draft instructions. The task force continues to meet regularly to review new legislation and case law that may then require new instructions or modifications to existing instructions. The task force endeavors to ensure that these draft instructions are balanced, comprehensible, and accurate statements of law. However, they are a work-in-progress and do not carry the imprimatur of the NH Bar Association. They are intended to serve as model instructions applicable in the spectrum of criminal cases that may arise under New Hampshire law.

Written comments on the Criminal Jury Instructions to-date can be directed to Denice DeStefano at the NH Bar Association, 2 Pillsbury St, Suite 300, Concord, NH 03301 or electronically to ddestefano@nhbar.org

Reference Material: 1985 Criminal Jury Instructions
The 1985 version of the Criminal Jury Instructions is provided as reference material. Please view the current version (below) for the most up-to-date guidelines as prepared by the Bar Task Force on Criminal Jury Instructions.

Criminal Jury Instructions--entire document (1.32 Mb, 262 pg PDF)
Letter of Introduction
 
I. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Cameras in the Courtroom
Causation
Conduct of the Jury (Preliminary Instruction) 
Confessions or Admissions 
Corroboration of Confession 
Credibility of Witnesses
Credibility of Witnesses - Informant's Testimony
Credibility of Witnesses - Accomplice Testimony
Credibility of Witnesses - Testimony of Immunized Witness
Credibility of Witnesses - Testimony of a Child
Deadlocked Jury
Definition of a Crime
Direct and Circumstantial Evidence
Duty to Deliberate
Evidence in the Case
Expert Testimony
Function of the Court and Jury
Identification
Indictment Not Evidence
Judicial Notice
Jury Recollection Controls
Lesser Included Offenses (Standard Instruction)
Lesser Included Offenses (Special Instruction)
Mental States - Purposely
Mental States - Knowingly
Mental States - Recklessly
Mental States - Negligently
Mental States - Proof of Mental State
Number of Witnesses
Outline of Trial
Possible Punishment Not Relevant
Stipulations
II. CRIMES
Indirect Criminal Contempt
Pistols and Revolvers
 RSA 159:3Felon in Possession
Alcoholic Beverages
 RSA 179:5Prohibited Sales
Drivers Licenses
 RSA 263:64Operating After Revocation or Suspension
Disobeying an Officer
 RSA 265:4, I(a)
RSA 265:4, I(b)
RSA 265:4, I(c)
RSA 265:4, I(d)
RSA 265:4, I(e)
RSA 265:4, I(f)
Refusal on Request of Officer to Give Information
Giving False Information to a Law Enforcement Officer
Purposely Neglect to Stop (or Willful Attempt to Elude Pursuit)
Refusal to Sign Name
Refusal to Provide License or Registration
Refusal to Produce License, Registration or Number Plate After Suspension or Revocation
Rules of the Road
 RSA 265:82-a
RSA 265:82-a, I & II
RSA 265:82-a, III
RSA 265:82, I(a)
RSA 265:82, I(b)
RSA 265:93-b, I
RSA 265:93-b, II
RSA 265:93-b, III

RSA 265:93-b, IV
Aggravated Driving While Under the Influence - Serious Bodily Injury
Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated - [Catchall]
Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated - [0.16 BAC]
Driving Under Influence of Intoxicating Liquor
Driving With Excess Alcohol Concentration
Driving a Motor Vehicle Not Equipped With an Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device
Tampering With the Operation of an Ignition Interlock Device
Starting a Motor Vehicle Equipped With an Ignition Interlock Device to Provide for a Person Who is Restricted to Drive on a Vehicle so Equipped
Providing a Motor Vehicle Not Equipped With a Functional Ignition Device to Another Person Sentenced to Drive Only Such a Vehicle
Controlled Drug Act
 RSA 318-B:2, I

RSA 318-B:2, I

RSA 318-B:2, I

RSA 318-B:2, I

RSA 318-B:2, I
[Possess], [Have Under His/Her Control], [A Controlled Drug], [A Controlled Drug Analog], Or [A Preparation Containing A Controlled Drug]
Manufacture [A Controlled Drug], [A Controlled Drug Analog], Or [A Preparation Containing A Controlled Drug]
[Purchase], [Prescribe], [Administer] [Transport] [A Controlled Drug], [A Controlled Drug Analog], Or [A Preparation Containing A Controlled Drug]
Sale of [A Controlled Drug][A Controlled Drug Analog][Any Preparation Containing a Controlled Drug]
[Possession] [Transportation] Of A [Controlled Drug][Controlled Drug Analog] [A Preparation Containing a Controlled Drug] With Intent To [Sell] [Dispense] [Compound]
Inchoate Crimes
 RSA 629:1
RSA 629:2
RSA 629:3
RSA 630:1,I(a)
RSA 630:1, I(b) (e) (f)
RSA 630:1,I(d)
RSA 630:1-a, I(a), II
RSA 630:1-a, I(b)(2)
RSA 630:1-a, I(b)(3)
RSA 630:1-a, I(b)(4)
RSA 630:1-b, 1(a)
RSA 630:1-b, I(b)
RSA 630:2, I(b)
RSA 630:3
RSA 630:3
RSA 630:4
Attempt
Criminal Solicitation
Conspiracy
Capital Murder
Capital Murder
Capital Murder
First Degree Murder
First Degree Murder
First Degree Murder
First Degree Murder
Second Degree Murder (Knowingly)
Second Degree Murder (Recklessly W/Extreme Indifference)
Manslaughter (Provocation)
Negligent Homicide (General)
Negligent Homicide (DWI)
Causing or Aiding Suicide
Assault and other Related Offenses
  RSA 631:4, I(a)Criminal Threatening (Placing or attempting to place another in fear...)
Sexual Assault and Related Offenses
 RSA 632-A:2, I(a)
RSA 632-A:2, I(b)
RSA 632-A:2, I(c)
RSA 632-A:2, I(d)
RSA 632-A:2, I(e)
RSA 632-A:2, I(f)
RSA 632-A:2, I(h)
RSA 632-A:2, I(i)
RSA 632-A:2, I(j)
RSA 632-A:2, I(k)
RSA 632-A:2, I(l)
RSA 632-A:2, I(m)
RSA 632-A:2, II
RSA 632-A:6, I
RSA 632-A:6, III
RSA 632-A:10, I
RSA 632-A:10, II or III
AFSA Overcoming by Physical Force
AFSA Victim Physically Helpless to Resist
AFSA Coercion by Threats of Force
AFSA Coercion by Threats of Retaliation
AFSA Victim Submits Under Circumstances Involving False Imprisonment, Kidnapping or Extortion
AFSA Administering an Intoxicating Substance
AFSA Mental Defect
AFSA Through Concealment or the Element of Surprise
AFSA Same Household/Blood or Affinity
AFSA Use of Authority to Coerce
AFSA Victim Under 13 Years of Age
AFSA Non-Consent Indicated by Speech or Conduct
AFSA Without Penetration; Person Under Age 13
Corroboration
Consent
Prohibition from Child Care Service of Persons Convicted of Certain Offenses
Prohibition from Child Care Service of Persons Convicted of Certain Offenses
Interference With Freedom
 RSA 633:1, I
RSA 633:1, I-a
RSA 633:2
RSA 633:3
RSA 633:3-a, I(a)
RSA 633:3-a, I(b)
RSA 633:3-a, I(c)
RSA 633:4, I
RSA 633:4, II
Kidnapping (General Instruction)
Kidnapping (Child Under 18 Years of Age)
Criminal Restraint
False Imprisonment
Stalking (Course of Conduct; Reasonable Person)
Stalking (Intent to Cause Fear)
Stalking (Single Act; Protective Order)
Interference With Custody (Felony)
Interference With Custody (Misdemeanor)
Destruction of Property
 RSA 634:1, I Arson (Misdemeanor)
Unauthorized Entries
 RSA 635:1Burglary (Class A Felony; Nighttime Entry of a Dwelling)
Theft
RSA 637:3
RSA 637:5
RSA 637:5
Theft by Unauthorized Taking or Transfer
Theft by Extortion (Class B Felony Regardless of Value of Property)
Theft by Extortion (Level of Offense Depends on Value of Property)
Fraud
RSA 638:1, I(a)
RSA 638:1, I(b)
RSA 638:1, I(b)
RSA 638:1, I(b)
RSA 638:2
RSA 638:3
RSA 638:4
RSA 638:4
RSA 638:5
RSA 638:11
RSA 638:11
Forgery - Altering a Writing or Uttering an Altered Writing
Forgery - Unaltered Writing Purporting to be the Act of Another
Forgery - Unaltered Writing, Fraudulent Execution
Forgery - Fraudulent Copy
Fraudulent Handling of Recordable Writings
Tampering With Public or Private Records
Issuing Bad Checks (Single Check)
Issuing Bad Checks (Course of Conduct)
Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card
Misapplication of Property (by a Fiduciary)
Misapplication of Property (of the Government or a Financial Institution)
Offenses Against the Family
RSA 639:1
RSA 639:2
RSA 639:3, I
RSA 639:3, I
RSA 639:3, II
RSA 639:3, III
RSA 639:3, III
RSA 639:4
RSA 639:5
Bigamy
Incest
Endangering the Welfare of Child or Incompetent (Violation of Duty of Care)
Endangering the Welfare of Child or Incompetent (Inducement)
Endangering the Welfare of Child (Tattooing)
Endangering the Welfare of Child (Solicitation of Sexual Activity)
Endangering the Welfare of Child (Solicitation of Sexual Penetration)
Non-Support
Concealing Death of a Newborn
Corrupt Practices
RSA 640:2, I(a)
RSA 640:2, I(b)
RSA 640:2, I(b)
RSA 640:3, I(a)
RSA 640:3, I(b)
RSA 640:3, I(c)
RSA 640:3, I(c)
RSA 640:4, I
RSA 640:4, II
RSA 640:5, I
RSA 640:5, II
RSA 640:6, I
RSA 640:7, I
RSA 640:7, I
Bribery (Offering Of)
Bribery (Failure to Report)
Bribery (Soliciting, Accepting)
Improper Influence (Threats)
Improper Influence (Private Communication)
Improper Influence (Failure to Report Private Communications) 
Improper Influence (Failure to Report Threats)
Compensation for Past Acts (Soliciting, Accepting)
Compensation for Past Acts (Paying, Offering)
Gifts to Public Servants (Soliciting, Accepting)
Gifts to Public Servants (Paying, Offering)
Compensation for Services (Soliciting, Accepting) 
Purchase of Public Office (Soliciting, Accepting)
Purchase of Public Office (Offering)
Falsification in Official Matters
RSA 641:1, I(a)
RSA 641:1, I(b)
RSA 641:2, I
RSA 641:2, II
RSA 641:3, I
RSA 641:3, II(a)
RSA 641:3, II(b)
RSA 641:3, II(c)
RSA 641:4, I
RSA 641:4, II
RSA 641:5, I
RSA 641:5, II
RSA 641:5, III
RSA 641:6, I
RSA 641:6, II
RSA 641:7, I
RSA 641:7, II
RSA 641:7, III
RSA 641:8
Perjury (False Statement)
Perjury (Inconsistent Statements)
False Swearing (False Statement)
False Swearing (Inconsistent Statements)
Unsworn Falsification
Unsworn Falsification
Unsworn Falsification
Unsworn Falsification
False Reports to Law Enforcement
False Reports to Law Enforcement
Tampering With Witnesses and Informants
Tampering With Witnesses and Informants (Retaliation)
Tampering With Witnesses and Informants (Solicitation) 
Falsifying Physical Evidence
Falsifying Physical Evidence
Tampering With Public Records
Tampering With Public Records
Tampering With Public Records
False Filing With the Director of Charitable Trusts
Obstructing Governmental Operations
RSA 642:1
RSA 642:2
RSA 642:3, I(a)-(e)
RSA 642:3, I(f)
RSA 642:4
RSA 642:5
RSA 642:6
RSA 642:7
RSA 642:8
RSA 642:9, I
RSA 642:9, II
RSA 642:10
Obstructing Governmental Operations
Resisting Arrest or Detention
Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution
Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution (Wiretap)
Aiding Criminal Actvity
Compounding
Escape 
Providing Implements For Escape Or Contraband
Bail Jumping 
Assault By Prisoner
Aggravated Assault By A Prisoner
Obstructing Report Of Crime Or Injury
Abuse of Office
RSA 643:1
RSA 643:2
Official Oppression
Misuse of Information
Breaches of the Peace and Other Offenses
RSA 644:1, I(a)
RSA 644:1, I(b)
RSA 644:1, I(c)
 
RSA 644:1, III
RSA 644:2, I
RSA 644:2, II(a)
RSA 644:2, II(b)
RSA 644:2, II(c)
RSA 644:2, II(d)
 
RSA 644:2, II(e)
RSA 644:3
RSA 644:3-a
RSA 644:3-b
RSA 644:3-c
RSA 644:4, I(a)
RSA 644:4, I(b)
RSA 644:4, I(c)
RSA 644:4, I(d)
RSA 644:4, I(e)
RSA 644:4, (f)
RSA 644:7
RSA 644:8-a, I
RSA 644:8-a, I
RSA 644:8-a, II
RSA 644:8-a, II
RSA 644:8-aa
RSA 644:8, III(a)
RSA 644:8, III(b)
RSA 644:8, III(c)
RSA 644:8, III(d)
RSA 644:8, III(e)
RSA 644:8, III(f)
RSA 644:8, III-a
RSA 644:17, I
RSA 644:17, II
Engaging in a Riot
Assembling for the Purpose of Engaging in a Riot
Riot (Assembling for Purpose of Committing an Offense Against a Supposed Violator of the Law) 
Riot (Refusal to Render Assistance to Law Enforcement)
Disorderly Conduct (Creating Hazardous Condition)
Disorderly Conduct (Fighting or Violent, Tumultuous or Threatening Behavior)
Disorderly Conduct (Obscene, Derisive or Offensive Words)
Disorderly Conduct (Obstructing Traffic)
Disorderly Conduct (Interfering With a Criminal /Investigation, Fire-fighting or Emergency Services)
Disorderly Conduct (Refusal to Comply With a Lawful Order)
False Public Alarms
False Fire Alarms 
False Fire Alarms Resulting in Injury or Death
Unlawful Interference With Fire Alarm Apparatus
Harassment (Telephone Calls)
Harassment (Repeated Communications at Inconvenient Hours or Using Obscene Language)
Harassment (Insulting, Taunting or Challenging)
Harassment (Communicating Any Matter Tending to Incite Murder, Assault or Arson)
Harassment (Communicating a Threat)
Harassment ( Communicating After Notification)
Abuse of Corpse
Exhibitions of Fighting Animals (Keeping or Training)
Exhibitions of Fighting Animals (Establishing or Promoting an Exhibition of Fighting)
Exhibitions of Fighting Animals (Presence During Preparations)
Exhibitions of Fighting Animals (Presence at, Aiding in or Contributing to the Exhibition)
Animals in Motor Vehicles
Cruelty to Animals - Deprive of Care or Shelter
Cruelty to Animals - Beat, Whip, Torture or Mutilate
Cruelty to Animals - Overwork 
Cruelty to Animals - Improper Transport
Cruelty to Animals - Abandon
Cruelty to Animals - Catchall
Cruelty to Animals - Beat, Whip, Torture or Mutilate – Purposely
Willful Concealment
Shoplifting
Public Indecency
RSA 645:1, I(a)
RSA 645:1, I(b)
RSA 645:1, II(a)
RSA 645:1, II(b)
RSA 645:1, III(a)
RSA 645:2, I(a)
RSA 645:2, I(b)
RSA 645:2, I(c)
RSA 645:2, I(d)
RSA 645:2, I(e)
RSA 645:2, I(f)
Indecent Exposure and Lewdness (Misdemeanor) 
Indecent Exposure and Lewdness (Misdemeanor)
Indecent Exposure and Lewdness (Class B Felony; Child Age 12 Years Old or Under)
Indecent Exposure and Lewdness (Class B Felony; Subsequent Offense)
Indecent Exposure and Lewdness (Class A Felony)
Solicitation
Prostitution (Induce Another)
Prostitution (Transport)
Prostitution (Supported By)
Prostitution (Furnish Place)
Prostitution (Pay, Offer)
Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention
RSA 649-B:3Computer Pornography
Obscene Matter
RSA 650:2, I(a)
RSA 650:2, I(b)
RSA 650:2, I(c)
RSA 650:2, I(d)
RSA 650:2, I(e)
Obscenity (Sale)
Obscenity (Present or Direct Performance)
Obscenity (Publish)
Obscenity (Process With Intent to Sell)
Obscenity (Commercial Dissemination)
Sexual Offender Registration
RSA 651-B:9Failure to Comply With Requirements of Sexual Offender Registration
III. DEFENSES
Intoxication
RSA 626:4Intoxication
Effect of Ignorance or Mistake
RSA 626:3, I
RSA 626:3, II
Effect of Ignorance or Mistake
Effect of Ignorance or Mistake
Insanity
RSA 628:2Insanity (Guilt Phase Waived)


NHLAP: A confidential Independent Resource

Home | About the Bar | For Members | For the Public | Legal Links | Publications | Online Store
Lawyer Referral Service | Law-Related Education | NHBA♦CLE | NHBA Insurance Agency | NHMCLE
Search | Calendar

New Hampshire Bar Association
2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 300, Concord NH 03301
phone: (603) 224-6942 fax: (603) 224-2910
email: NHBAinfo@nhbar.org
© NH Bar Association Disclaimer