In Re: Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases – Report No. 2014-03 , 156 So. 3d 1037 ( 2015 )


Menu:
  •           Supreme Court of Florida
    ____________
    No. SC14-465
    ____________
    IN RE: STANDARD JURY INSTRUCTIONS
    IN CRIMINAL CASES—REPORT NO. 2014-03.
    [January 29, 2015]
    PER CURIAM.
    The Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal
    Cases (Committee) has submitted a report proposing changes to the standard
    criminal jury instructions and asks the Court to authorize the amended standard
    instructions for publication and use. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla.
    Const.
    The Committee proposes changes to the following six standard criminal jury
    instructions: (1) 11.1, Sexual Battery–Victim Less Than 12 Years of Age; (2) 11.2,
    Sexual Battery–Victim 12 Years of Age or Older–Great Force; (3) 11.3, Sexual
    Battery–Victim 12 Years of Age or Older–Specified Circumstances; (4) 11.4,
    Sexual Battery–Person 12 Years of Age or Older; (5) 11.5, Solicitation of Child
    Under 18 Years of Age to Engage in an Act that Constitutes Sexual Battery by
    Person in Familial or Custodial Authority; and (6) 11.6, Sexual Battery Upon Child
    12 Years of Age or Older but Under 18 Years of Age by Person in Familial or
    Custodial Authority.
    The Committee previously proposed amendments to Criminal Jury
    Instruction 11.1. The Court declined to authorize the proposed changes due to a
    lack of supporting legal authority for certain proposed changes and a perceived
    logical inconsistency in the table of lesser-included offenses. See In re Std. Jury
    Instrs. in Crim. Cases—Report No. 2012-05, 
    131 So. 3d 755
    , 756 (Fla. 2013). We
    asked the Committee to reconsider its proposal. The current report provides the
    legal support previously found lacking and clarifies the Committee’s reasoning
    with respect to the table of lesser-included offenses. After the Committee’s report
    was filed with the Court, the proposed changes were published in The Florida Bar
    News and comments were solicited. No comments were filed.
    In reconsidering its proposed changes to instruction 11.1, the Committee
    discovered additional issues affecting not only instruction 11.1 but also instructions
    11.2–11.6. All six instructions are amended in order to include all the possible
    ways the various offenses can be committed based on the statutory language
    defining the offenses. Other changes are made to conform the instructions and
    notes to the statutory language and caselaw. Obsolete notes and comments are
    -2-
    deleted from the instructions. The tables of lesser-included offenses are revised for
    technical correctness and consistency.
    Upon consideration of the Committee’s report, we authorize the amended
    instructions, as set forth in the appendix to this opinion, for publication and use.1
    New language is indicated by underlining, and deleted language is indicated by
    struck-through type.
    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 correctness of the instructions. We further 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. The instructions as set forth in the appendix shall be
    effective when this opinion becomes final.
    It is so ordered.
    LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON,
    and PERRY, JJ., concur.
    1. 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.
    -3-
    NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION, AND
    IF FILED, DETERMINED.
    Original Proceedings – Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in
    Criminal Cases
    Judge Jerri Lynn Collins, Chair, Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury
    Instructions in Criminal Cases, Sanford, Florida; Judge Joseph Anthony Bulone,
    Past Chair, Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal
    Cases, Clearwater, Florida; and Bart Neil Schneider, Staff Liaison, Office of the
    State Courts Administrator, Tallahassee, Florida,
    for Petitioner
    -4-
    APPENDIX
    11.1 SEXUAL BATTERY —
    VICTIM LESS THAN 12 YEARS OF AGE
    § 794.011(2), Fla. Stat.
    To prove the crime of Sexual Battery upon a Person Less Than 12 Years
    of Age, the State must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable
    doubt:
    1.    (Victim) was less than 12 years of age.
    Give 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d as applicable.
    2.    a.     (Defendant) committed an act [upon] [with] (victim) in
    which the sexual organ of the [(defendant)] [(victim)]
    penetrated or had union with the [anus] [vagina] [mouth] of
    the [(victim)] [(defendant)].
    b.    (Defendant) committed an act [upon] [with] (victim) in
    which the [anus] [vagina] of [(victim)] [(defendant)] was
    penetrated by an object.
    c.    (Defendant) injured the sexual organ of (victim) in an
    attempt to commit an act [upon] [with] (victim) in which the
    sexual organ of the [(defendant)] [(victim)] would have
    penetrated or would have had union with the [anus]
    [vagina] [mouth] of the [(victim)] [(defendant)].
    d.    (Defendant) injured the sexual organ of (victim) in an
    attempt to commit an act upon (victim) in which the [anus]
    [vagina] of (victim) would be penetrated by an object.
    Give 3a or 3b as applicable.
    3.    a.    (Defendant) was 18 years of age or older at the time of the
    sexual battery.
    b.    (Defendant) was less than 18 years of age at the time of the
    sexual battery.
    -5-
    Give if applicable.
    However, any act done for bona fide medical purposes is not a sexual
    battery.
    Definition. Give if applicable.
    “Union” means contact.
    Give if requested. Khianthalat v. State, 
    974 So. 2d 359
     (Fla. 2008).
    Consent of (victim) is not a defense to the crime charged.
    Give if requested. § 794.022, Fla. Stat.
    (Victim’s) lack of chastity is not a defense to the crime charged.
    § 794.021, Fla. Stat.
    Ignorance of (victim’s) age, (victim’s) misrepresentation of his or her
    age, or a defendant’s bona fide belief of (victim’s) age is not a defense to the
    crime charged.
    In the event that multiple perpetrators is charged and proven, give
    instruction on enhancement.
    § 794.023, Fla. Stat.
    The option of the word “[with] (victim)” in 2a and 2c is provided to reflect
    the manner in which the crime was committed. See Coleman v. State, 
    484 So.2d 624
     (Fla. 1st DCA 1986), at pages 627, 628.
    Lesser-Included Offenses
    SEXUAL BATTERY — VICTIM UNDER 12 — 794.011(2)(a)–(b)
    CATEGORY ONE       CATEGORY TWO            FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
    Battery                                     784.03(1)(a)1 8.3
    Solicitation by person in  794.011(8)(c) 11.5
    familial authority
    Attempt                    777.04(1)     5.1
    Assault Aggravated battery 784.011       8.18.4
    784.045(1)(a)
    Felony Battery             784.041(1)    8.5
    Aggravated assault         784.021(1)(a) 8.2
    Aggravated battery Assault 784.045(1)(a) 8.4 8.1
    784.011
    -6-
    Comment
    This instruction was adopted in 1981 and was amended in 1987 [
    508 So. 2d 1221
    ], 1995 [
    657 So. 2d 1152
    ], and 2007, by adding 3(a) and 3(b) pursuant to
    Glover v. State, [
    863 So. 2d 236
    ], (Fla. 2003) and 2015.
    11.2 SEXUAL BATTERY — VICTIM 12 YEARS OF
    AGE OR OLDER — GREAT FORCE OR DEADLY WEAPON
    § 794.011(3), Fla. Stat.
    To prove the crime of Sexual Battery upon a Person 12 Years of Age or
    Older with the Use of [a Deadly Weapon] [or] [Physical Force Likely to Cause
    Serious Personal Injury], the State must prove the following four elements
    beyond a reasonable doubt:
    1.    (Victim) was 12 years of age or older.
    2.    a.    [(Defendant) committed an act [upon] [with] (victim) in
    which the sexual organ of the [(defendant)] [(victim)]
    penetrated or had union with the [anus] [vagina] [mouth] of
    the [(victim)] [(defendant)].]
    b.    (Defendant) committed an act [upon] [with] (victim) in
    which the [anus] [vagina] of [(victim)] [(defendant)] was
    penetrated by an object.
    3.    (Defendant) in the process
    a.    [used or threatened to use a deadly weapon].
    b.    [used actual physical force likely to cause serious personal
    injury].
    4.    The act was done without the consent of (victim).
    -7-
    Definitions.
    Give in all cases.
    “Consent” means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent and does
    not include coerced submission. Consent does not mean the failure by the
    alleged victim to offer physical resistance to the offender.
    Give if applicable.
    Evidence of the victim’s mental incapacity or defect, if any, may be
    considered in determining whether there was an intelligent, knowing, and
    voluntary consent.
    “Mentally incapacitated” means that a person is rendered temporarily
    incapable of appraising or controlling his or her conduct due to the influence
    of a narcotic, anesthetic, or intoxicating substance administered to that person
    without his or her consent, or due to any other act committed upon that
    person without his or her consent.
    “Mentally defective” means that a person suffers from a mental disease
    or defect that renders that person temporarily or permanently incapable of
    appraising the nature of his or her conduct.
    “Union” means contact.
    Give if 3a alleged.
    A weapon is a “deadly weapon” if it is used or threatened to be used in a
    way likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
    Give if 3b alleged.
    “Serious personal injury” means great bodily harm or pain, permanent
    disability, or permanent disfigurement.
    Give if applicable.
    However, any act done for bona fide medical purposes is not a sexual
    battery.
    Give if requested. § 794.022, Fla. Stat.
    (Victim’s) lack of chastity is not a defense to the crime charged.
    In the event that multiple perpetrators is charged and proven, give
    instruction on enhancement. § 794.023, Fla. Stat.
    -8-
    The option of the word “[with] (victim)” in 2a is provided to reflect the
    manner in which the crime was committed. See Coleman v. State, 
    484 So. 2d 624
    (Fla. 1st DCA 1986), at pages 627, 628.
    Lesser-Included Offenses
    SEXUAL BATTERY — VICTIM OVER 12 — WEAPON OR
    FORCE — 794.011(3)
    CATEGORY ONE     CATEGORY TWO        FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
    Sexual battery                       794.011(5)    11.4
    Battery                              784.03(1)(a)1 8.3
    Sexual battery      794.011(4)    11.3
    Attempt             777.04(1)     5.1
    Lewd or lascivious  800.04(4)     11.10 or
    battery                           11.10(a)
    Aggravated battery  784.045(1)(a) 8.4
    Felony battery      784.041(1)    8.5
    Aggravated assault  784.021(1)(a) 8.2
    Assault             784.011       8.1
    Comment
    This instruction was adopted in 1981 and was amended in 1987 [
    508 So. 2d 1221
    ], 1995 [
    657 So. 2d 1152
    ], 2003 [
    850 So. 2d 1272
    ], and 2008 [
    995 So. 2d 476
    ], and 2015.
    11.3 SEXUAL BATTERY — VICTIM 12 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER —
    SPECIFIED CIRCUMSTANCES
    § 794.011(4), Fla. Stat.
    To prove the crime of Sexual Battery upon a Person 12 Years of Age or
    Older under Specified Circumstances, the State must prove the following four
    elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
    1.    (Victim) was 12 years of age or older.
    2.    a.    [(Defendant) committed an act [upon] [with] (victim) in
    which the sexual organ of the [(defendant)] [(victim)]
    -9-
    penetrated or had union with the [anus] [vagina] [mouth] of
    the [(victim)] [(defendant)].]
    b.   (Defendant) committed an act [upon] [with] (victim) in
    which the [anus] [vagina] of [(victim)] [(defendant)] was
    penetrated by an object.
    3.   a.   [(Victim) was physically helpless to resist.]
    b.   [(Defendant) coerced (victim) to submit by threatening to use
    force or violence likely to cause serious personal injury and
    (victim) reasonably believed the (defendant) had the present
    ability to execute the threat.]
    c.   [(Defendant) coerced (victim) to submit by threat of
    retaliation against (victim) or any other person and (victim)
    reasonably believed that (defendant) had the ability to
    execute the threat in the future.]
    d.   [(Defendant), without prior knowledge or consent of (victim),
    administered or had knowledge of someone else
    administering to (victim) a narcotic, anesthetic, or other
    intoxicating substance that mentally or physically
    incapacitated (victim).]
    e.   [(Victim) was mentally defective and (defendant) had reason
    to believe this or had actual knowledge of that fact.]
    f.   [(Victim) was physically incapacitated.]
    g.   [(Defendant) was at the time a[n] (insert official title or
    position) and was a[n] [certified [law enforcement officer]
    [correctional officer] [correctional probation officer]]
    [elected official exempt from certification] [person in a
    position of control or authority in a probation, community
    control, controlled release, detention, custodial, or similar
    setting] and the [officer] [official] [person] was acting in
    such a manner as to lead (victim) to reasonably believe that
    (defendant) was in a position of control or authority as an
    agent or employee of government.]
    - 10 -
    4.    The act was committed without the consent of (victim).
    Definitions.
    Give in all cases.
    “Consent” means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent and does
    not include coerced submission. Consent does not mean the failure by the
    alleged victim to offer physical resistance to the offender.
    Give if applicable.
    Evidence of the victim's mental incapacity or defect, if any, may be
    considered in determining whether there was an intelligent, knowing, and
    voluntary consent.
    “Mentally incapacitated” means that a person is rendered temporarily
    incapable of appraising or controlling his or her conduct due to the influence
    of a narcotic, anesthetic, or intoxicating substance administered to that person
    without his or her consent, or due to any other act committed upon that
    person without his or her consent.
    “Mentally defective” means that a person suffers from a mental disease
    or defect that renders that person temporarily or permanently incapable of
    appraising the nature of his or her conduct.
    “Union” means contact.
    Give if 3a alleged.
    “Physically helpless” means that a person is unconscious, asleep, or for
    any other reason physically unable to communicate unwillingness to act.
    Give if 3b alleged.
    “Serious personal injury” means great bodily harm or pain, permanent
    disability, or permanent disfigurement.
    Give if 3f alleged.
    “Physically incapacitated” means that a person is bodily impaired or
    handicapped and substantially limited in his or her ability to resist or flee an
    act.
    - 11 -
    Give if applicable.
    However, any act done for bona fide medical purposes is not a sexual
    battery.
    Give if requested. § 794.022, Fla. Stat.
    (Victim’s) lack of chastity is not a defense to the crime charged.
    In the event that multiple perpetrators is charged and proven, give
    instruction on enhancement. § 794.023, Fla. Stat.
    The option of the word “[with] (victim)” in 2a is provided to reflect the
    manner in which the crime was committed. See Coleman v. State, 
    484 So.2d 624
    (Fla. 1st DCA 1986), at pages 627, 628.
    Lesser-Included Offenses
    SEXUAL BATTERY — VICTIM OVER 12 — SPECIAL SPECIFIED
    CIRCUMSTANCES — 794.011(4)
    CATEGORY ONE      CATEGORY TWO       FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
    Sexual battery                       794.011(5)    11.4
    Battery                              784.03(1)(a)1 8.3
    Lewd or lascivious 800.04(4)     11.10 or
    battery                          11.10(a)
    Attempt            777.04(1)     5.1
    Aggravated battery 784.045(1)    8.4
    Felony battery     784.041(1)    8.5
    Aggravated assault 784.021(1)(a) 8.2
    Assault            784.011       8.1
    Comments
    Element 3g: See s. 943.10(1), (2), (3), (6), (7), (8), (9) for the definition of a
    law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer who
    must be either certified pursuant to s. 943.1395 or an elected officer exempt from
    certification pursuant to s. 943.253.
    This instruction was adopted in 1981 and was amended in 1987 [
    508 So. 2d 1221
    ], 1992 [
    603 So. 2d 1175
    ], 1995 [
    657 So. 2d 1152
    ], 2003 [
    850 So. 2d 1272
    ],
    and 2008 [
    995 So. 2d 476
    ], and 2015.
    - 12 -
    11.4 SEXUAL BATTERY — PERSON 12 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER
    § 794.011(5), Fla._Stat.
    To prove the crime of Sexual Battery upon a Person 12 Years of Age or
    Older, the State must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable
    doubt:
    1.    (Victim) was 12 years of age or older.
    Give 2a or 2b as applicable.
    2.    a.    [(Defendant) committed an act [upon] [with] (victim) in
    which the sexual organ of the [(defendant)] [(victim)]
    penetrated or had union with the [anus] [vagina] [mouth] of
    the [(victim)] [(defendant)].]
    b.    (Defendant) committed an act [upon] [with] (victim) in
    which the [anus] [vagina] of [(victim)] [(defendant)] was
    penetrated by an object.
    3.    The act was committed without the consent of (victim).
    Definitions
    Give in all cases.
    “Consent” means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent and does
    not include coerced submission. Consent does not mean the failure by the
    alleged victim to offer physical resistance to the offender.
    Give if applicable.
    Evidence of the victim’s mental incapacity or defect, if any, may be
    considered in determining whether there was an intelligent, knowing, and
    voluntary consent.
    “Mentally incapacitated” means that a person is rendered temporarily
    incapable of appraising or controlling his or her conduct due to the influence
    of a narcotic, anesthetic, or intoxicating substance administered to that person
    without his or her consent, or due to any other act committed upon that
    person without his or her consent.
    - 13 -
    “Mentally defective” means that a person suffers from a mental disease
    or defect that renders that person temporarily or permanently incapable of
    appraising the nature of his or her conduct.
    Give if applicable.
    “Union” means contact.
    Give if applicable.
    However, any act done for bona fide medical purposes is not a sexual
    battery.
    Give if requested. § 794.022, Fla. Stat.
    (Victim’s) lack of chastity is not a defense to the crime charged.
    In the event that multiple perpetrators is charged and proven, give instruction
    on enhancement. § 794.023, Fla._Stat.
    The option of the word "[with] (victim)" in 2a is provided to reflect the manner
    in which the crime was committed. See Coleman v. State, 
    484 So.2d 624
     (Fla. 1st
    DCA 1986), at pages 627, 628.
    Lesser-Included Offenses
    SEXUAL BATTERY — VICTIM OVER 12 — WITHOUT FORCE —
    794.011(5)
    CATEGORY ONE    CATEGORY TWO       FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
    Battery                            784.03(1)(a)1 8.3
    Attempt            777.04(1)     5.1
    Assault            784.011       8.1
    Comment
    This instruction was adopted in 1981 and was amended in 1987 [
    508 So. 2d 1221
    ], 1995 [
    657 So. 2d 1152
    ], and 2003 [
    850 So. 2d 1272
    ], and 2015.
    - 14 -
    11.5 SOLICITATION OF CHILD UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE TO
    ENGAGE IN AN ACT THAT CONSTITUTES SEXUAL BATTERY BY
    PERSON IN FAMILIAL OR CUSTODIAL AUTHORITY
    § 794.011(8)(a), Fla._Stat.
    To prove the crime of Solicitation of a Child to Engage in an Act that
    Constitutes Sexual Battery by a Person in Familial or Custodial Authority, the
    State must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
    1.      (Victim) was less than 18 years of age.
    2.      (Defendant) stood in the position of familial or custodial authority
    with regard to (victim).
    3.      (Defendant) [commanded] [encouraged] [hired] [requested] [tried
    to induce] (victim) to engage in an act which constitutes sexual
    battery in which:
    a. [the sexual organ of the [(defendant)] [(victim)] would penetrate or
    have union with the [anus] [vagina] [mouth] of the [(victim)]
    [(defendant)]].
    b. [the [anus] [vagina] of [(victim)] [(defendant)] would be penetrated
    by an object].
    It is not necessary that a sexual battery actually take place for the crime
    to be completed.
    § 794.011(8), Fla. Stat.
    It is not a defense that (victim) was willing to engage in an act which
    constitutes sexual battery or consented to engage in such acts.
    Give if applicable.
    However, any act done for bona fide medical purposes is not a sexual
    battery.
    - 15 -
    Definition. Give if applicable.
    “Union” means contact.
    Give if requested. § 794.022, Fla. Stat.
    (Victim’s) lack of chastity is not a defense to the crime charged.
    § 794.021, Fla. Stat.
    Ignorance of (victim’s) age, (victim’s) misrepresentation of his or her
    age, or a defendant’s bona fide belief of (victim’s) age is not a defense to the
    crime charged.
    Lesser Included Offenses
    No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense.
    Comment
    This instruction was adopted in 1987 [
    508 So. 2d 1221
    ] and was amended in
    1995 [
    657 So. 2d 1152
    ], and 1997 [
    697 So. 2d 84
    ], and 2015.
    11.6 SEXUAL BATTERY UPON CHILD 12 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER
    BUT UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE BY PERSON IN FAMILIAL OR
    CUSTODIAL AUTHORITY
    § 794.011(8)(b), Fla. Stat.
    To prove the crime of Sexual Battery Upon a Child by a Person in a
    Familial or Custodial Authority, the State must prove the following three
    elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
    1.    (Victim) was 12 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age.
    2.    (Defendant) stood in the position of familial or custodial authority
    with regard to (victim).
    3.    (Defendant) committed an act [upon] [with] (victim) in which:
    - 16 -
    a.     [the sexual organ of the [(defendant)] [(victim)] penetrated
    or had union with the [anus] [vagina] [mouth] of the
    [(victim)] [(defendant)]].
    b.     [the [anus] [vagina] of [(victim)] [(defendant)] was
    penetrated by an object].
    § 794.011(8), Fla. Stat.
    It is not a defense that (victim) was willing to engage in acts which would
    constitute a sexual battery or consented to engage in such acts.
    Give if applicable.
    However, any act done for bona fide medical purposes is not a sexual
    battery.
    Definition. Give if applicable.
    “Union” means contact.
    Give if requested. § 794.022, Fla. Stat.
    (Victim’s) lack of chastity is not a defense to the crime charged.
    § 794.021, Fla. Stat.
    Ignorance of (victim’s) age, (victim’s) misrepresentation of his or her
    age, or a defendant’s bona fide belief of (victim’s) age is not a defense to the
    crime charged.
    Lesser-Included Offenses
    SEXUAL BATTERY UPON CHILD 12 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER
    BUT UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE BY PERSON IN FAMILIAL OR
    CUSTODIAL AUTHORITY — 794.011(8)(b)
    CATEGORY ONE     CATEGORY TWO       FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
    None
    Attempt            777.04(1)  5.1
    Lewd or lascivious 800.04(4)  11.10 or
    battery                       11.10(a)
    Battery            784.03     8.3
    - 17 -
    Comment
    This instruction was adopted 1987 [
    508 So. 2d 1221
    ] and was amended in
    1995 [
    657 So. 2d 1152
    ], 1997 [
    697 So.2d 84
    ], and 2008 [
    995 So. 2d 476
    ], and
    2015.
    - 18 -