SIMPLE ASSAULT(Deadly Weapon) (N.J.S.A.2C:12-1a(2))[1]

SIMPLE ASSAULT(Deadly Weapon) Model jury charge (N.J.S.A.2C:12-1a(2))[1] The law requires that the Court instruct the jury with respect to possible (lesser) included offenses, even if they are not contained in the indictment. Just because the Court is instructing you concerning these offenses does not mean that the Court has any opinion one way or another about whether the defendant committed these, or any, offenses. You should consider these offenses along with those for which the defendant is indicted. However, you are not to render a verdict on these offenses or answer the questions on the verdict sheet unless you find that the State has failed to meet its burden with regard to the offense(s) in the indictment. Simple assault isa lesser-included offense to count _____ of this indictment. The statute which defines simple assault provides that: A person commits a simple assault if he negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon. In order for you to convict the defendant of this offense, the State must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 1.that the defendant caused bodily injury to NAME OF VICTIM (or another);[2] 2.that the defendant caused the bodily injury by use of a deadly weapon; 3.that the defendant acted negligently. The first element the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt is the defendant caused bodily injury to another. Bodily Injury is defined as physical pain, illness, or any impairment of the physical condition of another.[3] The second element the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt is the defendant caused the bodily injury by use of a deadly weapon. Deadly Weapon is defined as any firearm or other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is known to be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.[4] The third element the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt is the defendant acted negligently. A person acts negligently with respect to causing bodily injury whenhe/sheshould be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the material element exists or will result fromhis/herconduct. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that the actors failure to perceive it, considering the nature and purpose ofhis/herconduct and the circumstance known tohim/her, involves a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe in the actors situation. A person is said to act negligently if the person acts with carelessness, when compared to how a reasonable person should act under the circumstances as they exist at the time of the assault.[5] If you find that the State has proved each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, then you must find the defendant guilty. If, however, you find that the State has failed to prove any element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, then you must find the defendant not guilty.[6]