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For the latest additions and revisions see CJI2d & MC History

 

Criminal Jury Instructions (CJI)

The Criminal Jury Instructions are a set of model charges intended as a guideline for trial judges. The instructions are, of course, based on statutory provisions and prevailing case law. The Committee does not receive adversarial briefs or arguments on unresolved legal issues related to a charge, and accordingly does not necessarily attempt to resolve such issues. Further, the facts of a particular case may call for a modification of a CJI2d model charge. Of necessity, such determinations are left to the learned and sound discretion of the trial court.

Model Colloquies (MC)

The Court of Appeals has indicated that trial courts are in the best position to consider what circumstances are relevant in determining how best to address various issues, such as the taking of a defendant’s plea of guilty or a waiver of a right. The Model Colloquies are intended as a helpful guide to a trial court in fulfilling that responsibility. While the Court of Appeals does not mandated any particular litany, in People v. Thomas, 25 NY3d 337 (2019), the Court expressly approved the Model Colloquy for "waiver of the right to appeal."

 

NEW YORK UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM CJI AND MC COMMITTEE

Members


Co-Chairs
Hon. Patricia D. Marks*
Hon. William C. Donnino*

Members
Hon. Angela Badamo
Hon. Danny Chun
Hon. Michelle A. Johnson
Hon. Teresa D. Johnson*
Hon. Robert M. Mandelbaum
Hon. Martin Marcus*
Michael F. McEneney, Esq.*
Hon. Paula Metzler
Hon. Deborah Stevens Modica*
Hon. James A. Murphy, III
Hon. Michael Obus*
Vincent Rivellese, Esq.
Hon. Jay L. Weiner
Hon. Paul B. Wojtaszek

Committee Counsel
Shane Tela Hegarty, Esq.

 

Former Members


Former Co-Chair
Hon. Steven W. Fisher

Former Members

Hon. Lester Adler
Glenda K. Brayman, Esq.
Hon. Felix J. Catena
William J. Clark, Esq.
Joseph A. Cristiano, Esq.
Guy E. Des Rosiers, Esq.
Hon. Janet DiFiore
Hon. Michael L. Dwyer
Wendy Eaton, Esq.

Lori C. Fioravanti, Esq.
Hon. Joseph Grosso
Peter K. Kelly, Esq.
Paul Lewis, Esq.
Hon. Joseph P. McCarthy
Hon. Peter J. McQuillan
Hon. Richard A. Molea
Hon. Geoffrey O'Connell
Richard Mischel, Esq.
Hon. Salvatore Modica
Hon. Rosalyn H. Richter
Hon. Toko Serita
Hon. Nathan R. Sobel
Hon. Thomas M. Stark
Michael Tarbutton, Esq.
Joseph Valentino, Esq.
Hon. Barry Warhit
Hon. Joseph K. West
David E. Woodin, Esq

*Retired