In Re: Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases - Report 2019-11

Supreme Court of Florida
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No. SC19-1806
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IN RE: STANDARD JURY INSTRUCTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES—
REPORT 2019-11.
February 27, 2020
PER CURIAM.
The Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal
Cases (Committee) has submitted proposed changes to the standard jury
instructions and asks that the Court authorize the amended standard instructions for
publication and use. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.
The Committee proposes amending instructions 3.12 (Verdict), 8.26 (Sexual
Cyberharassment), 11.21 (Transmission of Material Harmful to Minors by
Electronic Device or Equipment), and 27.1 ([Attempted] Escape). The Committee
published the proposals in The Florida Bar News. One comment was received,
from the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA), pertaining to three of the
four above-listed instructions.1 The Court did not publish the proposals.
Having considered the Committee’s report and the FPDA’s comment, we
authorize the Committee’s proposals to the instructions herein at issue for
publication and use. Some of the more significant changes to the instructions are
discussed below.
Instruction 3.12 is amended to remove the reference to “information” and
“indictment” while retaining language that the jury may find the defendant guilty
as charged or of a lesser-included crime. In addition, the instruction is amended to
provide that if the case involves one or more lesser-included offenses, the second
paragraph, stating, “If you return a verdict of guilty, it should be for the highest
offense on the verdict form [for each count] that has been proven beyond a
reasonable doubt. If you find that no offense has been proven beyond a reasonable
doubt, then, of course, your verdict must be not guilty,” should be given.
Instruction 8.26 is amended to reflect that the offense of sexual
cyberharassment may be committed by “dissemination” of a sexually explicit
image of the victim through electronic means, and that the publication or
dissemination was contrary to the victim’s reasonable expectation of privacy. The
instruction is further amended to include the definition of “personal identification
1. Two of the FPDA’s suggested changes to two of the instructions, as
proposed, were technical.
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information” as provided by section 784.049(2)(b), Florida Statutes (2019), and a
citation to section 784.049(2)(c) is included for “reasonable expectation of
privacy.”
Instruction 27.1 is rewritten to reorganize the elements and also includes
“released on furlough” in accord with an amendment to section 944.40, Florida
Statutes (2019), by chapter 2019-167, section 54, Laws of Florida.
The amended criminal jury instructions, as set forth in the appendix to this
opinion, are hereby authorized for publication and use. 2 New language is indicated
by underlining, and deleted language is indicated by struck-through type. We
caution all interested parties that any comments associated with the instructions
reflect only the opinion of the Committee and are not necessarily indicative of the
views of this Court as to their correctness or applicability. In authorizing the
publication and use of these instructions, we express no opinion on their
correctness and remind all interested parties that this authorization forecloses
neither requesting additional or alternative instructions nor contesting the legal
2. The amendments as reflected in the appendix are to the Criminal Jury
Instructions as they appear on the Court’s website at
www.floridasupremecourt.org/jury_instructions/instructions.shtml. We recognize
that there may be minor discrepancies between the instructions as they appear on
the website and the published versions of the instructions. Any discrepancies as to
instructions authorized for publication and use after October 25, 2007, should be
resolved by reference to the published opinion of this Court authorizing the
instruction.
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correctness of the instructions. The instructions as set forth in the appendix shall
become effective immediately upon the release of this opinion.
It is so ordered.
CANADY, C.J., and POLSTON, LABARGA, LAWSON, and MUÑIZ, JJ.,
concur.
NO MOTION FOR REHEARING WILL BE ALLOWED.
Original Proceeding – Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in
Criminal Cases
Judge F. Rand Wallis, Chair, Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury
Instructions in Criminal Cases, Daytona Beach, Florida; and Bart Schneider, Staff
Liaison, Office of the State Courts Administrator, Tallahassee, Florida,
for Petitioner
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APPENDIX
3.12 VERDICT
You may find the defendant guilty as charged in the [information]
[indictment] [or guilty of such lesser included crime[s] as the evidence may
justify] or not guilty.
*[If you return a verdict of guilty, it should be for the highest offense on
the verdict form [for each count] that has been proven beyond a reasonable
doubt. If you find that no offense has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt,
then, of course, your verdict must be not guilty.]
The verdict must be unanimous, that is, all of you must agree to the
same verdict. Only one verdict may be returned as to [the crime] [each crime]
charged [, except as to Count (insert number), where the defendant can be
found guilty of more than one lesser included crime]. The verdict must be in
writing and for your convenience the necessary verdict form[s] [has] [have]
been prepared for you. [It is] [They are] as follows (read verdict form(s)):
Give if State is proceeding on both theories of First Degree Murder
(premeditated and felony murder). Mansfield v. State, 911 So. 2d 1160 (Fla. 2005).
If you return a verdict of guilty to the charge of First Degree Murder, it
is not necessary that all of you agree the State proved First Degree
Premeditated Murder and it is not necessary that all of you agree the State
proved First Degree Felony Murder. Instead, what is required is that all of
you agree the State proved either First Degree Premeditated Murder or First
Degree Felony Murder.
In cases of multiple defendants or multiple charges, give 3.12(a), (b), or (c)
as applicable.
A sample of possible verdict forms for typical variables in combinations of
defendants and charges follows:
1. Verdict form for single count, single defendant.
We, the jury, find as follows, as to the defendant in this case: (check only
one)
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___a. The defendant is guilty of (crime charged).
___b. The defendant is guilty of (a lesser included offense).
___c. The defendant is not guilty.
2. Verdict form for multiple counts, single defendant.
We, the jury, find as follows, as to Count I of the charge: (check only
one as to this count)
___a. The defendant is guilty of (crime charged).
___b. The defendant is guilty of (a lesser included offense).
___c. The defendant is not guilty.
We, the jury, find as follows, as to Count II of the charge: (check only
one as to this count)
___a. The defendant is guilty of (crime charged).
___b. The defendant is guilty of (a lesser included offense).
___c. The defendant is not guilty.
3. Verdict form if a count is a crime where the defendant can be guilty of
more than one lesser included offense.
We, the jury, find as follows, as to Count (insert number) of the
charge:
___a. The defendant is guilty of (crime charged).
(If the defendant is not guilty of the main charge, then proceed to the
lesser included offenses):
___b. The defendant is guilty of lesser included offense(s). (check as
many lesser included offenses as apply)
___ The defendant is guilty of (lesser included offense).
___ The defendant is guilty of (lesser included offense).
___ The defendant is guilty of (lesser included offense).
___ The defendant is guilty of (lesser included offense).
(If the defendant is not guilty of the main charge or any lesser
included offenses, then proceed to not guilty):
___c. The defendant is not guilty.
Use separate verdict for each defendant.
4. Verdict form for multiple counts, multiple defendants.
We, the jury, find as to the defendant, (name of defendant), as follows:
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As to Count I: (check only one as to this count)
___a. The defendant is guilty of (crime charged).
___b. The defendant is guilty of (a lesser included offense).
___c. The defendant is not guilty.
As to Count II: (check only one as to this count)
___a. The defendant is guilty of (crime charged).
___b. The defendant is guilty of (a lesser included offense).
___c. The defendant is not guilty.
5. Verdict form when insanity is a defense.
___a. The defendant is guilty of (crime charged).
___b. The defendant is guilty of (a lesser included offense).
___c. The defendant is not guilty.
___d. The defendant is not guilty because legally insane.
Read if applicable. Special finding forms #6 and #7 below refer to §
775.087,
Fla. Stat. There are other statutes requiring special findings.
In addition to the verdict form[s], there [is] [are] [a] Special Finding
form[s] for Count[s] (insert number(s)).
6. Special finding form regarding § 775.087(1), Fla. Stat.
If you found the defendant guilty of (name of crime), you must then answer
the following question:
During the commission of the offense, did the defendant personally [carry]
[display] [use] [threaten to use] [attempt to use] a [weapon] [firearm]?
______________ Yes
______________ No
7. Special finding form regarding § 775.087(2), Fla. Stat.
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If you found the defendant guilty of (name of crime), you must then answer
the following question[s]:
1. During the commission of the offense, did the defendant actually possess a
[firearm] [destructive device]?
______________ Yes
______________ No
2. During the commission of the offense, did the defendant personally
discharge a [firearm] [destructive device]?
______________ Yes
______________ No
3. During the commission of the offense and as a result of the discharge
of the [firearm] [destructive device], was death caused to (victim)?
______________ Yes
______________ No
Comments
*This paragraph should be read if the case involves one or more lesser-
included offenses.
This instruction must be amended if the defendant is relying on an insanity
defense.
It is highly recommended that trial courts rely solely on the core offense in
determining the order of lesser included offenses on a verdict form. Trial courts
shouldcan then provide an interrogatory, separate from the verdict form for the
core offense, for the jury to determine the existence of circumstances that can
result in mandatory minimum sentences, sentence enhancements, or offense
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reclassifications. In addition, interrogatories may be used for crimes such as
burglary and robbery, in which the aggravating factor is part of the statute
governing the substantive crime. Sanders v. State, 944 So. 2d 203 (Fla. 2006).
For compounded offenses, such as Burglary with an Assault, the jury can
convict on two lesser-included offenses. See Gian-Grasso v. State, 899 So. 2d 392
(Fla. 4th DCA 2005).
This verdict form was adopted in 1981 and was amended in October 1981,
December 1995, 2016 [199 So. 3d 234], and 2018 [244 So. 3d 157], and 2020.
8.26 SEXUAL CYBERHARASSMENT
§ 784.049(3), Fla. Stat.
To prove the crime of Sexual Cyberharassment, the State must prove
the following fourfive elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) [published a sexually explicit image of (victim) onto an
iInternet website] [or] [disseminated a sexually explicit image of
(victim) through electronic means to another person].
2. The image contained or conveyed (victim’s) personal identification
information.
3. (Defendant) did so willfully and maliciously, for no legitimate
purpose, and with the intent of causing substantial emotional
distress to (victim).
4. (Victim) did not consent to the [publication] [or] [dissemination].
5. The [publication] [or] [dissemination] was contrary to (victim’s)
reasonable expectation that the image would remain private.
Definitions.
§ 784.049(2)(d), Fla. Stat.
“Sexually explicit image” means any image depicting nudity or
depicting any person engaging in sexual conduct.
§ 784.049(2)(a), Fla. Stat.
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“Image” includes but is not limited to, any photograph, picture, motion
picture, film, video, or representation.
§ 847.001(9), Fla. Stat.
“Nudity” means showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic
area, or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering; or the showing of the
female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof
below the top of the nipple; or the depiction of covered male genitals in a
discernibly turgid state. [A mother breastfeeding her baby does not under any
circumstance constitute “nudity,” irrespective of whether or not the nipple is
covered during or incidental to feeding.]
§ 847.001(16), Fla. Stat.
If necessary, insert additional definitions from § 847.001, Fla. Stat.
“Sexual conduct” means actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate
sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, or sadomasochistic abuse;
actual lewd exhibition of the genitals; actual physical contact with a person’s
clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, if such person is a
female, breast with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of either
party; or any act or conduct which constitutes sexual battery or simulates that
sexual battery is being or will be committed. [A mother breastfeeding her
baby does not under any circumstance constitute “sexual conduct.”]
§ 784.049(2)(b), § 817.568(1)(f), Fla. Stat.
“Personal Identification Information” means any name or number that
may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a
specific person, including any name, postal or electronic mail address,
telephone number, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden
name, official state or United States issued driver’s license or identification
number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer
or taxpayer’s identification number, Medicaid or food stamp account number,
bank account number, credit or debit card number or personal identification
number or code assigned to the holder of a debit card by the issuer to permit
authorized use of such card, unique biometric data such as fingerprint, voice
print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation, unique
electronic identification number, address, or routing code, medical record,
telecommunication identifying information or access device, or other number
or information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources
information that identifies an individual, and includes, but is not limited to,
any name, postal or electronic mail address, telephone number, social security
number, date of birth, or any unique physical representation.
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Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987).
“Willfully” means knowingly, intentionally and purposely.
Reasonable expectation of privacy. Give if applicable. § 784.049(2)(c), Fla.
Stat.
Evidence that (victim) sent a sexually explicit image to another person
does not, on its own, remove [his] [her] reasonable expectation of privacy for
that image.
As of October 2017September 2019, the courts had not determined whether
the sexual cyberharassment statute requires actual malice or legal malice. The
explanation of the two can be found in Seese v. State, 955 So. 2d 1145 (Fla. 4th
DCA 2007). In the absence of clarification, trial judges must choose one of the
following:
“Maliciously” means intentionally and without any lawful justification.
“Maliciously” means with ill will, hatred, spite, or an evil intent.
Lesser Included Offense
SEXUAL CYBERHARASSMENT — 784.049(3)
CATEGORY ONE CATEGORY TWO FLA. STAT INS. NO.
None
Attempt 777.04(1) 5.1
Comments
As of October 2017September 2019, it is unclear whether the existence of a
prior violation should be treated as an element of the crime that must be found by
the jury or whether a prior violation can be proven to the judge at sentencing.
If treated as an element, it would be error to inform the jury of a prior Sexual
Cyberharassment conviction. Therefore, if the information or indictment contains
an allegation of a prior Sexual Cyberharassment conviction, do not read the
allegation and do not send the information or indictment into the jury room. If the
defendant is found guilty of Sexual Cyberharassment, the historical fact of a
previous conviction would be determined beyond a reasonable doubt in a
bifurcated proceeding. See State v. Harbaugh, 754 So. 2d 691 (Fla. 2000).
As of October 2017September 2019, the courts had not determined if a
withhold of adjudication counted as a conviction.
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This instruction was adopted in 2018 [238 So. 3d 192] and was amended in
2020.
11.21 TRANSMISSION OF MATERIAL HARMFUL TO
MINORS BY ELECTRONIC DEVICE OR EQUIPMENT
§ 847.0138(2), Fla. Stat.
To prove the crime of Transmission of Material Harmful to Minors by
Electronic Device or Equipment, the State must prove the following three
elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) knowingly sent an image, information or data that [he]
[she] knew or believed to be “harmful to minors.”
2. (Defendant) sent the image, information or data to a specific
individual who was either actually known by [him] [her] to be a
minor or believed by [him] [her] to be a minor.
3. (Defendant) sent the image, information or data via electronic mail.
Definitions. Give as applicable.
§ 847.001(6), Fla. Stat.
An image, information, or data that is “harmful to minors” means any
reproduction, imitation, characterization, description, exhibition,
presentation, or representation, of whatever kind or form, depicting nudity,
sexual conduct, or sexual excitement when it:
(a) Predominately appeals to a prurient, shameful, or morbid
interest;
(b) Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult
community as a whole with respect to what is suitable
material or conduct for minors; and
(c) Taken as a whole, is without serious literary, artistic, political,
or scientific value for minors.
A mother’s breastfeeding of her baby is not under any circumstance
“harmful to minors.”
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Prurient Interest.
A “prurient interest” in sex is a shameful or morbid interest in sex,
nudity, or excretion. Material does not appeal to a prurient interest if the
average person today can view the material candidly, openly, and with a
normal interest in sex.
“Morbid interest” means diseased, dwelling on the gruesome, or sick.
§ 847.001(8), Fla. Stat.
“Minor” means any person less than 18 years of age.
§ 847.001(9), Fla. Stat.
“Nudity” means the showing of the human male or female genitals,
pubic area, or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering; or the showing
of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion
thereof below the top of the nipple; or the depiction of covered male genitals
in a discernibly turgid state. A mother’s breastfeeding of her baby does not
under any circumstance constitute “nudity,” irrespective of whether or not
the nipple is covered during or incidental to feeding.
§ 847.001(16), Fla. Stat.
“Sexual conduct” means actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate
sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, or sadomasochistic abuse;
actual lewd exhibition of the genitals; actual physical contact with a person’s
clothed or unclosed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, if such person is a
female, breast with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of either
party; or any act or conduct which constitutes sexual battery or simulates that
sexual battery is being or will be committed. A mother’s breastfeeding of her
baby does not under any circumstance constitute “sexual conduct.”
§ 847.001(19), Fla. Stat.
“Simulated” means the explicit depiction of conduct described in the
definition of “sexual conduct” which creates the appearance of such conduct
and which exhibits any uncovered portion of the breasts, genitals, or buttocks.
§ 847.001(5), Fla. Stat.
“Deviate sexual intercourse” means sexual conduct between persons not
married to each other consisting of contact between the penis and the anus,
the mouth and the penis, or the mouth and the vulva.
§ 847.001(15), Fla. Stat.
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“Sexual bestiality” means any sexual act, actual or simulated, between a
person and an animal involving the sex organ of the one and the mouth, anus,
or vagina of the other.
§ 847.001(13), Fla. Stat.
“Sadomasochistic abuse” means flagellation or torture by or upon a
person or animal, or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise
physically restrained, for the purpose of deriving sexual satisfaction, or
satisfaction brought about as a result of sadistic violence, from inflicting harm
on another or receiving such harm oneself.
§ 847.001(14), Fla. Stat.
“Sexual Battery” means oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union
with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another
by a finger or any other object; however, “sexual battery” does not include an
act done for a bona fide medical purpose.
Give if applicable.
“Bona fide” means genuine.
Lakey v. State, 113 So. 3d 90 (Fla. 5th DCA 2013).
“An object” includes a finger.
§ 847.001(17), Fla. Stat.
“Sexual excitement” means the condition of the human male or female
genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
Give if applicable. § 775.0862, Fla. Stat.
Reclassification for sexual offense against student by school authority
figure.
If you find that (defendant) committed the crime of Transmission of
Material Harmful to Minors by Electronic Device or Equipment, you must
also determine whether the State has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that
(defendant) was an authority figure at a school and (victim) was a student at
the same school.
“Authority figure” means a person 18 years of age or older who is
employed by, volunteering at, or under contract with a school.
“School” means an organization of students for instructional purposes
on an elementary, middle or junior high school, secondary or high school, [or
other public school level authorized under the rules of the State Board of
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Education]. The term “school” does not include facilities dedicated exclusively
to the education of adults. If needed, insert appropriate definitions from
§ 775.0862(1)(b), Fla. Stat. for “private school” or “voluntary prekindergarten
education program” or “early learning program” or “public school as described
in s. 402.3025(1)” or “the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind” or the
“Florida Virtual School” or the “K-8 Virtual School.”
“Student” means a person younger than 18 years of age who is enrolled
at a school.
Lesser Included Offenses
TRANSMISSION OF MATERIAL HARMFUL TO
MINORS BY ELECTRONIC DEVICE OR EQUIPMENT — 847.0138(2)
CATEGORY ONE CATEGORY TWO FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
NoneUnlawful Use of a 934.215 29.26
Two-way
Communication Device
Attempt 777.04(1) 5.1
Comment
This instruction was adopted in 2015 [163 So. 3d 478] and amended in 2018
[257 So. 3d 370], and 2020.
27.1 [ATTEMPTED] ESCAPE
§ 944.40, Fla. Stat.
(including § 945.091(4), Fla. Stat. and § 951.24(4), Fla. Stat.)
To prove the crime of [Attempted] Escape, the State must prove the
following threetwo elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
Give 1a or 1b as applicable. Element 1a is applicable when a defendant was
under arrest, including when arrested but prior to conviction. Element 1b is
applicable when a defendant was confined in a prison, jail, private correctional
facility, road camp, or other penal institution after being convicted.
Give as applicable.
1. (Defendant) was a prisoner
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a. under arrest.
b. convicted of a crime, sentenced to a term of
imprisonment, and confined to a [prison] [jail] [private
correctional facility] [road camp] [penal institution].
c. being transported to or from a place of confinement.
d. released on furlough from a [prison] [jail] [private
correctional facility] [road camp] [penal institution].
e. in a [prison] [jail] [private correctional facility] [road
camp] [penal institution] and was [working on a public
road] [participating in a work release program].
a. under arrest and in the lawful custody of a law
enforcement official.
b. convicted of a crime and sentenced to a term of
imprisonment and committed to (institution
alleged) by a court.
Give 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d as applicable.
2. While a prisoner, (defendant) was
a. [confined at (name of institution).
b. being transported to or from a place of confinement.
c. working on a public road.
d. participating in a work release program and
1. willfully failed to return to [his] [her] place of
confinement within the time prescribed
or
2. willfully failed to remain within the extended limits of
[his] [her] confinement.
32. (Defendant) [escaped] [attempted to escape by (read overt act
from charge)] intending to avoid lawful confinement.
a. escaped,
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b. attempted to escape by (read overt act from charge),
c. willfully failed to return to [his] [her] place of confinement
within the time prescribed,
d. willfully failed to remain within the extended limits of [his]
[her] confinement,
intending to avoid confinement.
§ 944.02(6), Fla. Stat.
“Prisoner” means any person who is under civil or criminal arrest and
in the lawful custody of any law enforcement official, or any person
committed to or detained in any municipal or county jail or state prison,
prison farm, or penitentiary, or to the custody of the Department of
Corrections pursuant to lawful authority.
Give if requested and applicable. See Kearse v. State, 662 So. 2d 677 (Fla.
1995) and Applewhite v. State, 874 So. 2d 1276 (Fla. 5th DCA 2004).
Definitions.
“Transportation to a place of confinement” begins at the time an
individual is placed under arrest.
An “arrest” takes place when the arresting officer intends to arrest; the
arresting officer actually or constructively seizes the person to be arrested; the
officer’s intent to arrest is communicated by the arresting officer to the
person to be arrested; and the person to be arrested understands that
communication. An “arrest” does not require that the law enforcement
officer complete the act of acquiring total physical control over the person to
be arrested.
Lesser Included Offenses
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense.
Comments
The State is not required to prove the technical correctness of the original
arrest. Marquez v. State, 450 So. 2d 345, 345 (Fla. 2d DCA 1984). Once under
legal incarceration, a defendant must avail himself of help through the court
system, not self-help via an escape. Lawson v. State, 312 So. 2d 522, 524 (Fla. 4th
DCA 1975).
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This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 1989, 2007 [962 So. 2d
310], and 2016 [199 So. 3d 234], and 2020.
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