Comprising the crux of this handy guide is a list of jury instructions that must be given sua sponte in criminal jury trials, arranged by offense. In addition to these offense-specific instructions, the handbook also lists: general instructions that must be given in every criminal jury trial, instructions that must be given when the facts call for them, and instructions that must be given in capital cases and sanity proceedings. Short essays on the trial court’s sua sponte instructional duty and the most common instructional errors round out this indispensable trial preparation aid for judges and lawyers alike. Includes information on the most current case law and legislation, a detailed Table of Contents, plus Tables of Statutes, Jury Instructions, Cases, and an Index. This new edition is published in conjunction with the California Center for Judicial Education and Research.

CONTENTS INCLUDE:

• When the Trial Court Must Instruct Sua Sponte
• Sua Sponte Instructions
• Selected Common Instructional Errors
• CALCRIM