Wesley Mathews Trial Day 3 Jury Instructions

TL;DR

The court proceedings and jury instructions for a child injury case are discussed, including the review of the charge, exhibit organization, and closing arguments.

Transcript

let's on the record in the absence of the panel the defendant his attorneys of the attorneys are present one the terms of each side please approach the most recent copy of the charge I will give you about five minutes to look at it to all the party with you mostly there were a couple of things added one the charge must contain in the possible condi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🈂️ The court addresses objections and revisions to the charge, ensuring it accurately reflects the offense.
• 👂 The exhibit list is organized, separating items admitted for all purposes and those admitted for record purposes only.
• 😒 The judge provides instructions and warnings to the audience regarding behavior in the courtroom, including the use of cell phones.

Questions & Answers

Q: What revisions are made to the charge based on objections?

The state objects to the charge not including the language "by omission" after "injury to a child." The defense objects to the charge not referring to the specific code section. Both objections are upheld by the court.

Q: What exhibits are admitted for all purposes?

Exhibits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 45, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 100, 101.

Q: What is the possible punishment for the offense of injury to a child?

The defendant could face imprisonment for any term of years not over 99 years and not less than 5 years, or life, and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Q: What conditions may be imposed during community supervision?

The court may impose conditions such as obeying all rules and regulations of the community supervision and corrections department, avoiding injurious or vicious habits, and participating in a community-based program or community service work program.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The court reviews the charge and makes revisions based on objections and additions made by both the state and defense attorneys.

• The exhibit list is organized, noting which exhibits are admitted for all purposes and which are admitted for record purposes only.

• A clean laptop is provided for the jurors to review evidence videos and both sides confirm its cleanliness.

• The judge gives instructions to the audience regarding behavior in the courtroom and reminds them to turn off cell phones.

• The attorneys make their closing arguments, with each side given 40 minutes.