The Advisory Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions has approved and posted its latest release of proposed revisions and additions to the criminal instructions (CALCRIM) for public comment. The instructions are available for viewing on the internet at www.courtinfo.ca.gov/invitationstocomment.
Only the currently proposed changes and additions are submitted for comment at this time. We will gladly accept other comments, but the committee will not be able to consider them until a later meeting.
Our preferred way of receiving your comments is in an e-mail sent to criminaljuryinstructions@jud.ca.gov. However, we have also included a comment form at the end of the posted file of revisions that you may use to comment on individual instructions or groups of instructions. Comments by letter or fax should be sent to:
Robin Seeley
Administrative Office of the Courts
Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions
Fax: 415-865-7664
Phone: 415-865-7710
The deadline for receiving comments is Friday, May 8, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
All comments will be reviewed by the advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.
When submitting comments, please:
- Indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.
- Clearly identify the specific language in the instruction that you are commenting on.
- Suggest alternative language, if appropriate.
- Provide any applicable authority for your position.
We encourage your comments and critique, because they help us refine both the particular instructions and the more global choices about format and approach. We appreciate your participation in this effort.
On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions
Hon. Sandra Lynn Margulies, Chair
